Diabetes affects 21 Million Americans and claims 240 million victims worldwide. Type 2 Diabetes is the biggest portion of those at 95 %.

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism--the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body.

After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach.

In people with diabetes, however, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin as in type 1, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced as in type 2.

Ask any person with type 2 Diabetes what their biggest problem is and I think you will get nearly a unanimous agreement-CONTROL.

Ask any medical profession and they will tell you that diet, weight loss and exercise are the three best things you can do to get control of your type 2 diabetes-and control is essential to a good quality of life. It is that simple.

• WATCH WHAT YOU EAT. Less carbs, more fresh veggies, no alcohol. If you need more help there are tons of books out there and you can always talk to a dietitian.

• EXERCISE. Exercise at least 20 preferably 30 minutes a day. Aerobics or weight training or a combination. It is great to do it all at once to get your heart rate up but you can split it up. The important thing is to do it religiously.

• LOSE SOME WEIGHT. If you diligently watch what you eat and exercise daily you will lose some weight. A loss of even ten pounds will do wonders.

If you have type 2 Diabetes like millions of Americans and millions more world wide, gaining control of your blood sugars is a never ending struggle. These three pillars will help you get and keep control. You'll lead a better and longer life and avoid some of the serious complications.