Introduction
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that affects how your body controls blood sugar (glucose).
It happens when your body doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t produce enough of it. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar levels can rise, which can lead to serious health problems over time.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. Insulin is important because it helps your body use sugar from food for energy. When insulin doesn’t work properly, sugar builds up in the blood, which can lead to health issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
Who Is at Risk?
Certain factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
- Age: People over 45 are more likely to develop diabetes.
- Family History: If your parents or siblings have type 2 diabetes, you are more at risk.
- Being Overweight: Extra weight, especially around the belly, can lead to insulin resistance.
- Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle makes it harder for your body to use insulin efficiently.
- Poor Diet: Eating too many processed foods and sugary drinks can increase the risk.
- Gestational Diabetes: If you had diabetes during pregnancy, you’re more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later.
Symptoms to Watch For
In the early stages, you might not notice symptoms, but over time, you may experience:
- Increased Thirst and Urination: High blood sugar pulls water from your tissues, making you feel thirsty and needing to urinate more often.
- Tiredness: You may feel more tired than usual because your body can’t use sugar for energy.
- Blurred Vision: High blood sugar can cause blurry vision.
- Slow Healing: Cuts or infections may take longer to heal.
- Numbness: You might feel tingling or numbness, especially in your feet or hands.
If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor to get tested.
How Is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose type 2 diabetes with a simple blood test, including:
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures your blood sugar after fasting. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
- HBA1C Test: Shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. A result of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
While there’s no cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be managed through:
- 1.Healthy Eating: Eat a balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
- 2.Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days to help control blood sugar.
- 3.Weight Management: Losing even a small amount of weight can improve insulin sensitivity.
- 4.Medications: If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications like metformin may be prescribed to help lower blood sugar.
- 5.Monitoring Blood Sugar: Regular blood sugar checks help you keep track of your progress.
Prevention Tips
To reduce your risk, consider these steps:
- Exercise regularly:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get regular checkups to catch any early signs of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition, but with the right care, you can manage it and live a healthy life. At Hillview Hospital, we are here to support you with expert care and guidance. If you have concerns or need help managing diabetes, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!
