Let’s get to the truth about the most important change to make for Type 2 diabetes. As our health comes to the fore during a pandemic, alongside existing health conditions (or developing ones on the horizon), we have an even greater need to make the changes that will allow us to live well.
But the question that arises when it comes to change – what are you waiting for? Now, this is a bit confronting. When we humans are given the ultimatum to either make changes or die (there’s the confronting part), one third of people will keep doing what they do and get sicker.
Another third will independently make the necessary changes to become well and free of the risks.
The final third of people recognise their need for some help and guidance to achieve change and are willing and able to seek the support they need to achieve it.
In which third do you fall? Or perhaps you’ve been in them all? If you’re in the latter third of people at this time, ready to receive education and guidance, right now may be perfect timing to take action. If you’re not sure, lets breakdown why change is so important.
The hard truth about why change is necessary in Type 2 diabetes
Do you already know these things about Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes? Here’s the hard truth:
- It’s a progressive and chronic disease if left unaddressed
- Medicines can only manage the disease (hopefully) but they can’t treat it
- It seems convenient to take medicine and see lowered blood sugars but the underlying cause of insulin resistance is not addressed
- There are many devastating risks and complications related to diabetes
- It is known as a ‘silent killer’ because of its lack of outward symptoms
- It takes an average of 10-20 years to develop Type 2 diabetes before it is diagnosed. By the time it is ‘out in the open’ it has already caused havoc on the body
- Diabetes erodes quality of life and it shortens life (3% per year). It is described as a slow, long, painful but early death sentence
- It is a disease mainly associated with the modern diet and lifestyle (which is everywhere so no blame, but it means we can change!)
- Type 2 diabetes is reversible with the right interventions and guidance but not many people are provided this information at diagnosis
Type 2 diabetes is outwardly a subtle disease but has the ability to invade every cell, tissue and organ in the body.
At first Type 2 diabetes might present with such issues as tiredness, foggy brain, low mood and energy, thirst, always being hungry or not satisfied after eating, easy weight gain and not able to lose weight, repeated infections and poor sleep.
It is often accompanied with other metabolic syndrome diseases such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, gout, high triglycerides, and fatty liver disease. In other words, it creates a body very much out of balance and with many complications ahead.
It’s sobering and confronting and a huge impetus to change.
The common barriers to change for our health
Why do we do what we do, when we know these confronting facts about Type 2 diabetes?
When someone gets news of having cancer, we often hear words like ‘ fighting’ or ‘beating’ this life threatening health issue. Yet Type 2 diabetes, as one of the fastest growing chronic health conditions worldwide, also life threatening and progressive, does not seem to get the same level of alarm as other life threatening diseases. Perhaps because of its prevalence all around the world, it has become normalised? In the meantime, the impact of this disease continue to grow.
Knowing this and to revisit the first question, as confronting as it is, what are we waiting for? What holds change back when it is so strongly needed and desired?
Taking medicines and doing nothing much else about Type 2 diabetes or weight issues will most likely lead to needing additional medicines, higher and higher doses, daily insulin injections with a worn out pancreas, and many other health complications. To get off this path, change is essential.
However, there are many reasons why we don’t make changes toward better health.
Firstly, we humans naturally seek out pleasure and comfort, and avoid pain and hardship. This tendency runs right throughout history, but our modern world promotes it a lot! The good news is that we can reset this wiring.
There are many faces of resistance to change and we find a myriad of excuses to block progress. We can think of it as the dinosaur part of the brain operating 24/7, which is very happy that everything stays the same, providing comfort and familiarity.
Do you recognise any of these common forms of resistance to adopting change for diabetes?
This is my ‘lot’
Sometimes it’s a lack of awareness and understanding about the disease, how serious and life threatening it is. You may believe it is hereditary and this is ‘your lot’. You may not have been informed when diagnosed, that it is actually reversible. It is, and it’s not as hard as you might think.
Overwhelm
Sometimes it’s that you simply don’t know what to do. The information is conflicting or confusing. Where do you start and what do you trust? This can be overcome. With guidance and support so that you’re not alone.
Fear
The question may be ‘but will it work for me’? This question often links to a fear of failure or a self-sabotage pattern. This one can melt away once you take a first step and start seeing successes, however small.
Currently, the mainstream traditional advice is not hitting the mark in halting the diabetes epidemic. Much of its approach is fast becoming out of date and missing some important aspects to reverse the condition.
Too many people with Type 2 diabetes have made efforts to change, following the mainstream advice, only to find things worsening.
It, therefore, can feel hard to bother in such circumstances and fuel self-sabotage. The sole purpose of self-sabotage is to stop any action and its remedy is to continue to take action, no matter how small.
‘It’s not the right time’
This roadblock is common and falls into any of the above categories. Is there ever really a right time? When is the road ahead or mental headspace completely clear to focus on yourself, your health and on change?
All sorts of roadblocks and barriers get presented to ourselves and from ourselves, often subconsciously. The skill of self awareness is needed, to notice and unpack what is going on. Only then can decisions be made and change can come.
If nothing changes, nothing changes
If you keep doing what you do, nothing will change. This is the definition of madness! If we rely on willpower or motivation, sooner or later results will fail. Have you noticed these two things leave when the going gets tough!
Whenever there is a lack of success, it is not necessarily the person to blame (usually yourself), but instead the systematic plan for success that is or isn’t in place. Finding this plan is the current challenge for Type 2 diabetics. (You can find out more about this proven to work system developed by The Diabetes Clinic Online here)
The most important change you can make for Type 2 diabetes is to find that system of support that will be the difference for you. Because when you have the right information, the systemised processes and the expert support (and when you understand the opposing forces of change), success and resets are possible. Most importantly diabetes reversal is possible.
At the Diabetes Clinic, we’ve built out this plan to help as many people as possible but creating an online programme accessible to everyone. This means our members have a systematic process that is flexible, manageable and fits with their lifestyle. Based on the latest research and led by our Medical Director Dr. Matt Shelton, we’re doing what we can to change the diabetes epidemic.
Check out some of our recent member results E-book of results from our members.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel Diabetes Clinic Online channel.
A key component of our members success is the support and guidance offered and being part of a supportive diabetes community 24/7. You can allow as much time as you need to progress and reverse your diabetes.
The Diabetes Clinic Online can offer you all of the above. So what are you waiting for?
Book a call
to discuss your diabetes and for individual recommendations for your next steps.