Approximately 17 million people in the United States have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors play roles. There are three major types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes – formerly termed juvenile diabetes, Gestational diabetes- which affects women in pregnancy and Type 2 diabetes – the most common form of diabetes. Our focus here offers information regarding Type 2 diabetes since approximately 90-95% (16 million) of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.

Whether you are a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic, you need a balance of diet and exercise for improved blood sugar control, and general well being. One of the serious complications of diabetes is cardiovascular disease (CVD), and a well balanced meal plan and regular exercise helps reduce the risk of CVD. About 80% of Type II diabetics are insulin resistant; this means their insulin isn’t metabolized well (in fact many have excess insulin floating around in their bloodstream). Regular exercise helps improve insulin utilization, and that, along with a controlled diet and a loss of weight, may allow some people to remove medication from their regimen. Why don't doctors push the diet and exercise regimen more? The biggest reason is because they know the statistics on how few people can stick with the change of lifestyle it requires. Let's be honest here - this is not easy for people.