OVERVIEW
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body is unable to adequately utilize the energy from the diet. Your pancreas produces insulin (a hormone) to assist your cells in using glucose (sugar). However, your pancreas produces less insulin over time, and your cells become resistant to insulin. This causes an excess of sugar to accumulate in your blood. High blood sugar levels caused by Type 2 diabetes can cause major health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and death.
Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes: Difference
Diabetes type 2 is not the same as diabetes type 1. Your pancreas does not produce insulin in Type 1 diabetes. In Type 2, your pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and the insulin that is produced does not always function properly. Both are kinds of diabetes mellitus, which causes hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Type 2 diabetes typically affects older persons, although it is becoming more prevalent in children. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or young adults, but it can affect people of any age walmart pharmacy hours
Who Is At Risk?
If you do any of the following, you are more likely to get Type 2 diabetes:
- Are you African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander?
- Are over the age of 45.
- Are overweight or obese
- Don’t work out.
- While pregnant, I developed gestational diabetes.
- Diabetes runs in your family.
- I suffer from high blood pressure.
- You have prediabetes (higher than normal blood sugar, though not high enough to be Type 2 diabetes).
SYMPTOMS
Type 2 diabetes symptoms usually appear gradually over time. They may include the following:
- Vision is hazy.
- Fatigue.
- Feeling extremely hungry or thirsty
- Urinary frequency has increased (usually at night).
- Cuts and sores heal slowly.
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
- Unknown cause of weight reduction.
CAUSES
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces less insulin than the body requires and the body’s cells cease to respond to insulin. They do not consume as much sugar as they should. Sugar accumulates in your blood. Insulin resistance occurs when cells do not respond to insulin. It is typically caused by:
- Obesity and a lack of exercise are examples of lifestyle factors.
- Genetics, or faulty genes, can hinder cells from functioning normally.
COMPLICATIONS
High blood sugar levels caused by Type 2 diabetes can lead to the following complications:
- Gastroparesis and other digestive issues
- Diabetes-related retinopathy is one example of eye disease.
- Foot issues, such as leg and foot ulcers
- Gum disease and other oral health issues
- Hearing impairment.
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney failure.
- Liver issues, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Neuropathy of the periphery (nerve damage).
- Dysfunction in sexual relationships.
- Skin problems.
- Stroke.
- Infections of the urinary tract and the bladder
Diabetes-related ketoacidosis is a rare complication of Type 2 diabetes (DKA). DKA is a potentially fatal disorder in which your blood becomes acidic. DKA is more common in those with Type 1 diabetes.
TREATMENT
How You Can Manage Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes has no known cure. However, you can manage the illness by leading a healthy lifestyle and, if necessary, taking medicine. You can easily find your diabetes medication online on any medical website.
- Blood sugar: A blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can assist you in meeting your blood sugar target. Regular A1c tests, oral drugs (pills), insulin therapy, or injectable non-insulin diabetic medications may also be recommended by your healthcare professional.
- Blood pressure: Avoid smoking, exercise regularly, and eat a nutritious diet to lower your blood pressure. Your doctor may advise you to take blood pressure medication such as beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors.
- Cholesterol: Eat a diet reduced to saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and sugar. Your doctor may advise you to use statins, which are cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Meal Plan
Request that your healthcare physician or a nutritionist recommend a meal plan that is appropriate for you. In general, Type 2 diabetes meal plans should include the following items:
- Chicken, eggs, and shellfish are examples of lean proteins that are low in saturated fat. Tofu, almonds, and beans are examples of plant-based proteins.
- Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, spaghetti, and potatoes can cause your blood sugar to spike quickly. Choose carbs that raise blood sugar gradually, such as whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta.
- There is no salt added: Excess sodium, or salt, can raise your blood pressure. Reduce your sodium intake by avoiding processed foods such as those in cans or packages. Instead of salad dressing, use healthy oils and salt-free spices.
- Avoid sugary foods and beverages such as pies, cakes, and soda. To drink, go with water or unsweetened tea.
- Non-starchy vegetables: Because they contain fewer carbohydrates, they do not induce blood sugar rises. Broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower are some examples.
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Medications
Diabetes is managed by some people with medicine, diet, and exercise. Your doctor may advise you to use oral diabetes treatments. These are pills or liquids that are taken orally. Metformin, for example, is a medication that helps manage the amount of glucose produced by your liver.
To help your body use sugar more efficiently, you can also take insulin. Insulin is available in the following forms:
- Injectable insulin is a shot that you administer to yourself. The majority of people inject insulin into a fleshy region of their body, such as their stomach. Injectable insulin comes in the form of a vial or an insulin pen.
- Insulin is breathed through the mouth. It is only available in a fast-acting formulation.
- Insulin pumps constantly administer insulin, just like a functioning pancreas would. Insulin is delivered into your body via a small cannula by pumps (thin, flexible tube). Pumps are linked to a computerized gadget that allows you to adjust the dose and frequency of insulin.
PREVENTION
You can avoid or postpone Type 2 diabetes by doing the following:
- Eating a nutritious diet.
- Exercising.
- Weight loss.
Regular exams and screenings with your healthcare professional might also assist you in controlling your blood sugar.
DIAGNOSIS
The following blood tests can help your doctor detect diabetes:
- A fasting plasma glucose test is used to determine your blood glucose level. This exam is best performed in the workplace after an eight-hour fast (nothing to eat or drink except sips of water).
- Random plasma glucose test: This lab test can be performed at any time without fasting.
- A1c testing measures your average blood sugar levels over a three-month period.
- Oral glucose tolerance testing measures your blood sugar levels before and after consuming a sweet beverage. The purpose of this test is to assess your body’s ability to handle glucose.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
If you have diabetes, you should keep a tight eye on it. Even a regular cold might be harmful if it disrupts your insulin and blood sugar levels. Make a “sick day” plan with your doctor so you know how frequently to check your blood sugar and which medications to take.
Contact your health care provider right away if you face below mentioned symptoms:
- Confusion or loss of memory
- A temperature of 100°F or above.
- Blood sugar levels have been elevated for more than 24 hours.
- More than four hours of nausea and vomiting
- Balance or coordination issues.
- Severe ache throughout your body.
- You are having difficulty moving your arms or legs.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you have Type 2 diabetes, your prognosis is determined by how effectively you control your blood glucose levels. Untreated Type 2 diabetes can cause a variety of life-threatening health problems. Diabetes demands lifetime care.
