Originally Posted By: stockrex
My body is making the insulin but I have been told that it does not get activated.
The insulin cannot be absorbed because your cells (very simplistic explanation) build a shield around them that prevent absorption; e.g insulin resistance. The primary danger (not negating the other health effects) is that over time, your pancreas (which produces insulin) will tend to shut down and this is why nearly always a Type II diabetic has to eventually go on insulin. Type I diabetics usually do not have the same issue, typically their pancreas does not produce enough insulin or none at all.
Not only do you need to lose weight, you need to consign yourself to the fact that you need to exercise EVERY DAY, dump the processed/fried foods, limit certain types of carbohydrates, and watch the fats in other foods. It is the overall "system" that you must look at and not one single thing.
As someone who recently lost a full person in body weight, I can emphasize with your plight. While not all of this will apply to you, here is something I wrote to present to a group of people fighting the same battle I once did:
Ten Thoughts On Weight Loss and Fitness
So like many others out there, you find yourself (after years of existing) overweight with perhaps a medical ailment or two. You have tried dozens of diets, weight loss food, medicine, and you still find yourself overweight. Here are some thoughts on this dilemma:
1. Make peace with yourself…
…for whatever you may be carrying inside—bury those old bones and leave them buried. We all, to some degree, carry baggage. Dump it, for nothing has a way of demotivating one as old “junk” can and harboring bad feelings can affect your emotional state of mind as well as your physical. Just let it go…
2. There is no magic bullet…
…just as it took time to gain the weight, one will not lose it overnight and there are no easy fixes. Determination, motivation, good choices, and hard work are all the ingredients of the recipe for gaining and maintaining a fitness level. Manage your expectations, but revel in your accomplishments.
3. The Rolling Stones were wrong…
…time is not on your side. Today is the first day of the rest of your life and there is no tomorrow until it happens. The sooner that you commit to your new you, the sooner you will see results. What is on your side is consistency and the willingness to do something. Remember that walking 1000 steps is far better than your neighbor who lives on the couch—you are still “speeding” right by them even when you are walking.
4. Celebrate your victories…
…just not with food! America has become a “food reward” country—most everything is celebrated with food (in some shape or fashion). Find a different way to celebrate such as buying new clothes or treat yourself with a trip to the mall—better yet walk that extra mile. Alternately, do not lament your losses—instead learn from them. Use these opportunities as a learning experience to not repeat those mistakes and move on.
5. Fifty-seven gazillion types will not work…
…and it is because a fundamental change needs to happen. Ever been on a “diet”? Was it successful long term? I can answer that—no (and if it was consider yourself in the ultimate minority). Any idea why? The simplest answer is a core change needs to happen with the decisions you make about food and diets are short term (at the very best) solutions. The diet industry makes billions of dollars per year on people just like me and you. You must change your lifestyle and your eating habits—then and only then will you see long term weight management.
6. Sometimes it IS about the math…
…remember when Mrs. Idleman, your high school algebra teacher said that one day algebra would save your life? Well, today is that day, but the math is far more elementary than that. In the simplest terms, if you take in more calories than you burn AND need to maintain your weight, you will gain weight and if you take in less, you will lose weight. Research and find that balance and start living it every day—you will be amazed at the results.
7. Find someone you trust…
…in the medical profession. Your doctor can be your biggest ally in the battle of the bulge and I am not talking about pills or quick fixes (and there are some out there). Find a doctor that “gets into you” and cares about your health. Have a physical done and find out where you stand, then together make a plan for long term weight loss and maintenance. You will thank yourself for this later.
8. Not everyone will be jumping for joy…
…and you will have to accept that fact going in (also re-read #1). There will always be those who put you down or try to dissuade you from becoming healthy—crazy right? Ignore them TOTALLY and consider removing them from your life. Having negativity hanging around your neck like an albatross is a guarantee for failure. If those persons REALLY cared about you they would support you to the fullest instead of “working against” you.
9. You are a Jedi…
…and the master of your universe and destiny. It is incredibly easy to become trapped in a routine that is neither healthy nor productive. Take charge of your life—it is yours after all to live! So start living instead of EXISTING—steal 1 hour out of 24 to make yourself healthy. After all, you deserve a good life and without your health you have NOTHING!
10. There is no escape…
…from the fact that exercise has to become part of your life (not your existence—see #9). The great news is there are infinite possibilities when comes to exercising. Find what works for you and have fun with it. "Your body responds very positively, very quickly to even small amounts of exercise," says lead study author Tim Church, MD, PhD. "If you're sedentary, you'll see a lot of your greatest gains going from zero to 10 minutes a day." Find the proper outfit for what you are doing—clothes, shoes, etc. Your body will thank you for it.
