Understanding type 2 diabetes
To manage type 2 diabetes effectively, it's important to understand what diabetes is and how it impacts your body.
The primary challenge with diabetes involves the pancreas, an organ located behind your stomach that produces insulin — a hormone that acts like a key, unlocking your cells to allow sugar to enter and be used for energy. When your body doesn't use insulin properly, you may feel fatigued and frequently need to use the bathroom.
Type 2 diabetes also includes insulin resistance, where the "lock" on your cells becomes rusty, making it harder for insulin to unlock and allow sugar to enter, leaving you without the energy you need.
Health, diet, exercise and weight
Managing your overall health, diet, exercise and weight is crucial in your journey with type 2 diabetes, accounting for 30% of your success. Even if you’ve never focused on these areas before, small changes can make a significant difference. Start by walking regularly, cutting out soda and shedding a few pounds — these steps can have a big impact. If you smoke, our team offers tools to help you quit, further supporting your diabetes management.
Your care team will encourage you to get active. If exercise is new to you, start slow and gradually work up to 150 minutes a week. This level of activity will not only improve your conditioning but also protect your heart and organs. Whether it’s walking, swimming or using a reclining bike, staying active is key to better health.
Excess weight contributes to insulin resistance, so weight reduction is a priority. Losing weight can be challenging, but powerful tools like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Trulicity are now available. These once-weekly medications are game-changers, helping to control blood sugar, promote weight loss and protect your heart and kidneys. With the support of an obesity specialist at Endeavor Health, we’re here to help you achieve a healthier future.
What’s beyond your control
Even when you do everything right, there are aspects of diabetes that remain beyond your control — like that rusty lock. But at Endeavor Health, we focus on what you can control: your knowledge, health, diet, exercise and stress levels. We provide our patients with a virtual toolbox filled with the best resources to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Education program
Diabetes is a journey and as doctors continue to learn, so should patients. In your first year of managing diabetes, Medicare (and most insurance plans) covers 10 hours of education to help you master the essentials. In the following years, four hours of ongoing education is typically provided.
After meeting with your doctor, you'll be connected with Endeavor Health’s education team — a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietitian. This dedicated team is here to set you up for success, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed and empowering you with the tools to effectively manage type 2 diabetes.
Components of the education program
- Survival skills: In your first meeting, you'll receive a comprehensive guide to navigating life with diabetes — your personal "owner’s manual." This guide will teach you how to evaluate foods, read nutrition labels and ensure you get the right energy. You’ll discover the difference between simply eating and eating healthy, with an emphasis on moderation. Remember, nothing is entirely off-limits if enjoyed in small amounts. The best advice? Eat simple, wholesome foods with minimal processing.
- Moderate your sugars: You’ll also learn how to monitor and moderate your blood sugar levels. Whether using a traditional glucometer or a continuous glucose monitor, you'll understand what constitutes normal sugar levels and how to respond when they run high. We’ll teach you what can cause spikes, how to adjust your medications during exercise or illness, and when to reach out to your care team. You’ll be empowered to handle challenging situations with confidence.
- Healthcare maintenance: Maintaining your overall health is crucial. Your team will educate you on how high blood sugar impacts other organs and how to prevent complications affecting your eyes, kidneys and nerves in your hands and feet. We’ll review your cholesterol and blood pressure to ensure you’re on the right medications to protect against the effects of uncontrolled sugars. Additionally, you’ll learn about hemoglobin A1C — your 90-day glucose average — and how to set and maintain your goals for optimal health.
Exciting evolution in treatment
Diabetes treatment is in an exciting new era. With a great number of innovative medications available, some of which can even help you lose weight or maintain your current weight, the treatment options are numerous. The diabetes care your grandparents knew has evolved and today, we are thrilled with the possibilities to personalize your treatment for better, more effective outcomes.
At Endeavor Health, our diabetes education team understands the challenges of managing diabetes. We encourage you to share your concerns, big or small, with your provider. Some fears may be outdated and others can be eased with a simple conversation. We’re here to listen and work with you to create a personalized care plan that meets your unique needs. For comprehensive diabetes care, visit us online or call (847) 504-3300 to schedule a consultation.
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