Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% of all diabetes cases. It occurs when your body can not properly utilize insulin in getting nutrients to your cells. This results in high levels of sugar in your blood. The number of cases of diabetes has been growing rapidly. Studies indicate that over 16 million Americans have some form of diabetes! Type 2 diabetes used to be considered a disease of old, but not anymore. It is becoming much more prevalent in younger people and has recently been showing an alarming increase among young people.

Diabetes is a disease where your underlying genetic background is critical. If you have these genes and are at risk of developing diabetes, your lifestyle decisions very well may determine whether these genes become active or remain dormant.

By Craig Lock

1. Be positive- see problems as opportunities. Have goals and

visions. Have a positive mental attitude.

2. Play sports and step up your exercise.

3. Talk things over with someone.

4. Determine what causes you stress and try to eliminate it.

5. Become physically fit.

6. Balance work, home/family and recreation.

7. Enjoy your play and relaxation- it is precious time! Learn to

delegate- don't try to do everything yourself.

8. Get adequate sleep and rest

9. Allow yourself some relaxation and meditation time every day.

10. Learn relaxation techniques: systematic ways to relax.

11. Give yourself time to think.

12. Know your limits and your symptoms of stress...and how to relieve

them. Learn to say 'no' to others' excessive demands on you. Don't

say "yes" when you mean "no".

13. "Coast" if necessary.

14. Worry only about that which can be changed by you. I like the

quotation which goes something like this: "Accept that which cannot be

changed by you and let God give me wisdom to know difference."

15. Use your imagination to reduce your stress levels. Be creative.