Type two diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, a disease that occurs when your blood glucose is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and mainly comes from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone created by the pancreas, helps to use glucose for energy. Sometimes your body does not make enough or no insulin or does not use insulin properly, then glucose stays in your bloodstream and does not reach your cells.
The good thing is that you can take steps to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
Who is more likely to get type two diabetes?
You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, have a family history of diabetes, or be overweight if you are 45 years of age or older.
Physical inactivity, race, and some health problems such as high blood pressure also increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes or you are pre-diabetic, you may have type-2 diabetes.
Type-2 diabetes symptoms
Symptoms of type two diabetes include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Increase in appetite
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in feet or hands
- Wounds that don’t heal
- Weight loss phenomenon
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly over the course of several years and these symptoms are so mild that you cannot notice them. Many people do not have any symptoms. Some people are not aware that they have diabetes unless they have other health problems related to diabetes, such as blurred vision or heart disease.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes has many causes, including
- Overweight and obesity
- Not physically active
- Insulin resistance
- Genes
Type 2 diabetes diagnosed
Your doctor can diagnose type 2 diabetes based on blood tests.
Type two diabetes Management
Controlling your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and quitting smoking if you smoke are important ways to control your type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes that include healthy eating plans, calorie limiting if you are overweight and physically active are also essential to control diabetes. For this, you should talk to your doctor.
Medications to treat type 2 diabetes?
Along with a diabetes care plan, you may need diabetes medicines, which may include pills or medications that you need to inject into your skin over time, such as insulin, your blood sugar may require more than one diabetes medicine to manage. Even if you do not take insulin, you may have to take it at specific times, such as during pregnancy or if you are in the hospital. You also need medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other conditions.
Can people with diabetes have other health problems?
Following a good diabetes care plan can prevent you from many diabetes-related health problems. However, if diabetes is not managed, it can lead to problems given below:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Nerve damage
- Kidney disease
- Foot problems
- Eye disease
- Gum disease and other dental problems
- Sexual and bladder problems
Many people with type 2 diabetes may also have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFDD). If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can improve NFADD. Diabetes can also cause other health problems such as sleep apnea, depression, certain types of cancer, and dementia.
You can take steps to reduce the likelihood of developing these diabetes-related health problems.
Type two diabetes prevention
If you are susceptible to developing diabetes, you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk:
Lose weight when you are overweight, and prevent it from growing. You can prevent or delay diabetes by reducing 5 to 7 percent of your current weight.
Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking, at least 5 days a week. If you are not active, talk to your doctor about which activities are best. Start slowly and reach your goal.
Eat healthy food, try to reduce calorie intake every day, eat fewer portions and this will help you lose weight. Choosing low-fat foods can reduce calories. Drink water instead of sweetened beverages.
Ask your doctor what other changes you can make to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
Often, your best chance to prevent type 2 diabetes is to make lifestyle changes that work for you in the long run.