Jay Cutler – Wining with Diabetes

In the Monday Night Football season opener, the Denver Broncos pummeled the Oakland Raiders in an impressive 41 to 14 win. The Denver Broncos were lead by their quarterback, Jay Cutler who announced in the off-season, that he was a diabetic. His rocket arm and precision accuracy are back now that his diabetes is under control thanks to his support, his work, and mainly, his attitude.

Football is among the roughest sports in history and yet, Jay refuses to falter. It is his support and will that makes the challenge of living with diabetes not so much of a challenge. Stay informed and take charge of your health and you will soon find out as Jay did, that living with diabetes doesn’t have to be hard. After all, last night’s game just proves that life can be enjoyable for anyone regardless of the situation.

Signs and Symptoms of Pre-Diabetes

There is a great article on About.com highlighting pre-diabetes. The article explains what pre-diabetes is and states that “the cells in your body are becoming resistant to insulin and your blood glucose levels are higher than they should be. Since the levels aren’t as high as they would be if you had Type 2 diabetes, the term “pre-diabetes” is used.”

The risk factor for pre-diabetes are the same as they are for type 2 diabetes. It is very important to get regular check-ups from your doctor as there are seldom signs or symptoms for this type of diabetes.

So have you stuck to it?…

Now more than ever it is getting harder to work out, especially with fast food places popping up left and right and technological advances giving people more reasons to be lazy. If you’re like me living in toasty Arizona, working out while it’s 115 degrees outside is the last thing on your mind. But let’s put things into perspective: that thirty minute workout or that ten minute walk if done on a routine basis can add years onto your life. Minutes a day for years of life, it seems worth it to me. I did a post a little bit ago entitled Just a Walk Will Do talking about just getting started, it’s the hardest part to adding years onto your life. I’m not talking hard as in a lot of work, I mean hard in terms of motivation. You need to push yourself out of the door and commit to living a healthier lifestyle not only for you, but for those you love. So with that I encourage you to just go out and get a little bit more active, stay hydrated, and live a few more years in paradise.

Just a Walk Will Do…

People always tell me that the hardest part about beginning an active lifestyle is getting motivated.  I always respond saying that you don’t need to run full-fledged marathon or attend military boot camp on your first day. Take it easy, start slow. Now if you’re the type that likes to get going hard then kudos to you. But if you’re not, you can start off light, I’d say first thing in the morning. Sure you need to get up fifteen minutes earlier but it’s worth it, trust me.

I’ve heard that the best way to lose weight is to workout early in the morning so just wake up, drink some water, throw on some clothes, and enjoy the sunrise. You’ll have more energy throughout the day and your body will begin to feel the benefits of increased activity in your lifestyle.

Just remember, a walk will do when time calls for an overdue workout. Just keep it consistent, do it 3 times per week to start, then increase to five, and eventually, you’ll begin each morning with a brisk jog.

Scott’s Diabetes Journal

Here is a great blog of a diabetic named Scott Johnson who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1980. Scott’s Diabetes Journal is the perfect way for Scott to share his struggles, triumphs, and feelings towards and with diabetes. I personally enjoy Scott’s favorite quote in the title image of his blog. “Diabetes is like being expected to play the piano with one hand while juggling items with another hand, all while balancing with deftness and dexterity on a tightrope.” Check out the blog and follow Scott’s journey with diabetes.

Why Diabetic Socks

People diagnosed with diabetes have many troubles with their feet.  The loss of feeling and senses make it hard to tell whether or not a blister or sore has developed. If sores go untreated, they can later become ulcers. The complications only get worse from there.

Diabetic socks are seamless and are designed to reduce irritation. Protection against irritation is important and can prevent sores and blisters from forming. The idea behind diabetic socks is to increase the health of your legs and feet.

The Importance of Exercise

While not everyone with type 2 diabetes is overweight, studies have shown that obesity and lack of physical activity are the two most common causes of this type of diabetes.  With that being said, it is important to take some time out of your busy day to just take a walk around the block, bike to work, take the stairs.  It’s always good to start somewhere and the simple stroll after dinner is a great way to get your health on the right track.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, consult with your doctor or physician before beginning an exercise program.  Your doctor can direct you in the right direction and let you know what kind of exercise will be good for you depending on your current physical condition and the level of control over you diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The level of diabetes is increasing in the United States today with so many people neglecting their health. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes often goes unnoticed in the beginning because of the many seemingly harmless symptoms. Take a look at the link above for the most common signs because early detection and treatment of type 2 diabetes can lead to a smaller chance of getting heart disease, nerve damage, blindness or worse. Awareness is the key in the battle against diabetes.