Coaching Clients With Type 2 Diabetes

Chances are good that you know a relative, friend or client who has type 2 diabetes. My dad was diagnosed with it when he turned 60. Among other poor eating habits, he had a wicked sweet tooth and had long since fallen out of the regular exercise habit. Like most people, he wanted a quick fix.

As luck would have it, he was assigned to a very wise, patient and caring dietitian who worked with him to turn the corner on the disease. She taught him how to monitor his blood sugar; what to eat, how much and when; how to reduce his stress level; and most importantly—inspired him to get moving again (though I like to think the copy of Fitness Journal I sent him regularly had something to do with his rediscovered zest for movement!). The upshot is that he managed his disease 100% through lifestyle interventions for the next 24 years. 

Type 2 diabetes is caused by many factors, including lifestyle and genetics. People are more likely to develop this disease if they aren’t physically active and are overweight or have obesity. A 2019 study from Frontiers in Endocrinology found that the global age-standardized point prevalence and death rates for type 2 diabetes were 5,282 and 18.5 per 100,000, an increase of 49% and 10.8%, respectively, since 1990.

While the numbers tell a stark truth, here’s an important addition to this reality: In many cases—as with my dear dad—type 2 diabetes can be prevented or well-maintained with a healthy lifestyle, and fitness pros and health coaches are experts in this realm.

Like you, IDEA is committed to helping people avoid type 2 diabetes.

Meantime, here are some excellent hand-picked articles about type 2 diabetes and the many evidence-based solutions you can offer your clients to help them manage it. There are more related articles where these came from and we invite you to peruse the expansive IDEA content library that’s just one of your many membership benefits.    

• Inflammation: Obesity, Diabetes, Aging and Exercise 
• Carbs and Type 2 Diabetes 
• Recreational Running and Type 2 Diabetes 
• Strength Training and Type 2 Diabetes 

On behalf of the entire IDEA team, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones! We are so grateful to you for your continued loyalty and for all you do to make our world a happier, healthier place.