What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
You have undoubtedly heard of the condition, but can you answer this question: what is type 2 diabetes? If you are uncertain, you are not alone.
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic health problems in the United States: more than 38 million Americans suffer from diabetes and between 90 and 95% of these cases are type 2 diabetes. And yet type 2 diabetes is widely misunderstood. The condition does not develop overnight, and it is not only a question of sugar or weight. Type 2 diabetes develops when your body stops using insulin correctly and, over time, which can increase your blood sugar at dangerous levels. The good news: with the right tools, treatments and good lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to manage – and even prevent – type 2 diabetes. Here is all that you need to know.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health problem that occurs when your body ceases insulin correctly and sugar accumulates in your blood. Insulin, a hormone, helps to move sugar (also known as glucose) of your blood circulation in your cells, where it is used for energy. When your body becomes insulin resistant – or does not do it enough – glucose begins to accumulate in the blood circulation. Over time, high blood sugar associated with type 2 diabetes can potentially damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes tend to develop gradually, so you may not notice them right away. Current symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and slow healing wounds. If it is not managed properly, type 2 diabetes can possibly cause complications such as heart disease, nerve lesions, kidney failure and loss of vision.
Who is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes?
Risk factors include the age of over 45 years of age, having family history of diabetes, overweight or obesity, having high blood pressure and being physically inactive.) Some racial and ethnic groups – including black, American, American, Hispanic and Latin American populations – are also high. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (SOPK) or history of gestational diabetes are also risking high risk. “The risk is much closer to us than we think,” said William Hsu, MD, endocrinologist, diabetes expert and chief of L-Nutra.
What causes insulin resistance?
Insulin resistance can develop due to excess body fat, in particular around the abdomen – supporting food, lack of physical activity and genetic factors. Over time, these factors make it more difficult for your cells to respond to insulin, leading to chronically high blood levels.
How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
A health care provider can diagnose diabetes with a simple blood test. The most common tests include the A1C test, the Glucose-Plasma glucose test or an oral-tolerance-tolerance test with glucose. The result of 6.5% or more on the A1C indicates diabetes.
How can I reduce my risk of type 2 diabetes?
Have family history of type 2 diabetes doesn’t means that you will inevitably get it. “It’s a two -stroke theory,” said Hsu. You might have a genetic predisposition, but that alone will not cause diabetes. In other words, lifestyle choices are very much counting. To have the biggest impact on your metabolic health and your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, focus on these changes:
Physical activity
Regular exercise is essential for the management of blood sugar. Place a walk after each meal, from the breakdown spent sitting with “exercise snacks” and focus on the construction and maintenance of lean muscle mass.
Healthy food
“You want to eat less processed foods, more grains and whole vegetables and healthy proteins,” said Dr. Anne Peters, MD, professor of medicine at Keck School of Medicine from the University of South California. “The way you should eat for diabetes is the way we should all eat.”
Proactive projections
Staying up to date with recommended screening is one of the best ways to prevent diabetes and identify insulin resistance before it turns into diabetes.
Practical management
If you have received a diagnosis of type 2 pre-diabetes or diabetes, to work with your care team (which can include an endocrinologist, a certified diabetes educator and a nutritionist) to use tools such as a continuous glucose monitor, diabetes drugs such as metformin and lifestyle changes can help you manage the state and prevent complications.
