What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which a person has too much sugar (glucose) in their blood. The body is unable to use the sugar properly due to reduced production of the hormone insulin or reduced effectiveness of the insulin produced. Insulin is responsible for moving sugar from the blood into the cells where it is used for energy. When the insulin is not working properly, the sugar builds up in the blood, leading to a range of symptoms and complications.
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, as is physical inactivity and having a family history of diabetes. Other risk factors include age, ethnicity, and having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may be mild or absent in some cases. Common symptoms include frequent urination, extreme thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in the feet and hands, slow-healing sores, and weight gain or loss. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious problems such as kidney failure, nerve damage, and eye and foot damage.
How is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?
Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, blood tests, and a review of family medical history. The most common test used to diagnose type 2 diabetes is the fasting plasma glucose test, which measures the amount of glucose in the blood after a person has fasted for 8 to 12 hours. Other tests include an oral glucose tolerance test and the hemoglobin A1c test.
What is the Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes?
The goal of treatment for type 2 diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This can be accomplished through a combination of lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, losing weight if necessary, and quitting smoking. In some cases, medications such as insulin or oral diabetes drugs may be necessary to help manage blood sugar levels.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes is an important part of the treatment for type 2 diabetes. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help keep blood sugar levels in check. Regular physical activity helps to improve insulin sensitivity and helps the body use sugar more effectively. Losing weight, if necessary, can also help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of complications.
Medications
If lifestyle changes are not enough to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range, medications may be necessary. Insulin is the most common medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Other medications include oral diabetes drugs, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, and DPP-4 inhibitors. Some of these medications may be used alone or in combination with insulin.
What Are the Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?
If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and eye and foot damage. People with type 2 diabetes are also at increased risk for infections, depression, and cognitive decline. Regular check-ups with a doctor can help to reduce the risk of complications.
What Are Some Tips for Managing Type 2 Diabetes?
Managing type 2 diabetes requires a commitment to making healthy lifestyle changes. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, and losing weight if necessary can help to keep blood sugar levels in check. It is also important to regularly monitor blood sugar levels and take any medications as prescribed. Regular check-ups with a doctor are also important in order to monitor for any potential complications.
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The Personal Journey of Type 2 Diabetes.
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