We are being told that type II diabetes is on the rise in an alarming rate. We also hear that the pharmaceutical companies are always trying to come up with the next wonder drug to cure this disease. But who is telling us of ways we can help ourselves?

The majority of people who become type II diabetics start that way by first becoming insulin resistant. In plain terms that means the body is releasing more insulin than the body will use. It becomes a very vicious cycle too much insulin released, not being used by the body ends up being stored in fat cells. The more fat cells a person has can lead to an increase of insulin being released and the cycle goes on and on and the person develops diabetes.

I would like to give you some useful tips on how you can help yourself. The key is to regulate your blood sugar as much as possible.

Cut down on the number of carbohydrates you eat. Eating a lot of starches (pasta, bread, potatoes and desserts) can really affect the amount of insulin being released in the body. You have to eat some carbohydrates, but you can reduce it significantly and some people are able to cut back or stop taking their medicine for this completely. Dont cut back on your medicine on your own though. Wait until your next blood work is done, and if it is better, your doctor will let you know. You can talk to your doctor at that point about cutting back on your medicine.

When you eat carbohydrates, eat good ones! Eat grains high in fiber and vegetables especially green vegetables.

Limit the number of times you actually eat. Every time you eat or snack, your body releases insulin. You dont want to do away with snacks, just be smart about it. Dont graze all day long. Be finished with your meal within an hour. If you take longer than an hour to eat, your body will release more insulin.

Be sure to balance any carbohydrates you eat with protein and fiber. It will help your blood sugar stay more stable and you wont have as many spikes in your blood sugar. Most of us have heard of the sugar high and the slump that follows. Balancing carbohydrates with protein and fiber will help limit the sugar highs and slumps.

Educate yourself. I was amazed when I learned some servings of dessert actually had enough carbohydrates for a whole meal or two whole meals! Learning how to incorporate good nutrition into your meals and limiting the empty carbohydrates really goes a long way to good health.

Drink plenty of water. If you rely on regular sodas or fruit drinks, you will be consuming many more empty carbohydrates during the day. You want to be moving as much toxins and impurities out of your body.

Exercise. Yes, that dreaded word. You can add exercise to your day easily though. Park at the back of a parking lot and walk. When at work, take your 15 minute break to walk around the block. It will add up.

With these simple tips and working with my doctor, I was able to completely stop taking my diabetic medicine. I found within 24 hours of really cutting back on my carbohydrates that I felt much better. I have also lost 25 pounds using these tips.

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