Millions of individuals throughout the world suffer from the chronic condition of diabetes. It is a disease in which the body is unable to make enough insulin or use it appropriately. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that controls blood sugar levels. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the two primary subtypes. Type 2 diabetes will be the subject of this article.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
The majority of patients with diabetes (90–95%) have type 2 diabetes, generally referred to as adult-onset diabetes. High blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, which prevents the body from adequately using insulin, are its defining characteristics. Heart disease, stroke, and other significant health issues may become more likely as a result.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes might have modest symptoms that gradually worsen over time. Among the most typical signs are:
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Slow-healing cuts or wounds
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Although there is no proven cause of type 2 diabetes, there are a number of things that can make you more likely to get the disease, such as:
- Genetics: Having a history of diabetes in your family can make you more likely to get the condition.
- Obesity: Being overweight, especially in the midsection, can cause insulin resistance and a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Age: As you get older, your risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes rises.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can make type 2 diabetes more likely to occur.
Healthy habits are the best defense against diabetes – start today!
Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
A blood test that monitors your blood sugar levels can be used to detect diabetes. Diabetes can be identified using a number of various blood tests, including:
- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG): An overnight fast is required for the Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG), which measures your blood sugar levels.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This examination gauges your blood sugar levels following consumption of a sweet liquid.
- HbA1c: Your average blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months are determined by the HbA1c test.
Your doctor can suggest one or more further tests if your blood sugar level is greater than normal in order to confirm the type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes cannot currently be cured, but it can be controlled with a combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. The following are some of the most typical therapies for type 2 diabetes:
- Lifestyle changes: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight loss are all healthy lifestyle choices that can help you better control your blood sugar levels and lower your chance of developing problems from diabetes.
- Medications: Type 2 diabetes can be managed with a variety of drugs, including metformin, sulfonylureas, and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Which drug is best for you can be decided with the assistance of your doctor.
- Insulin therapy: insulin treatment Your doctor could suggest insulin therapy if lifestyle modifications and medicines do not help you regulate your blood sugar levels. Your risk of having diabetes problems can be decreased and your blood sugar levels can be better controlled with the aid of insulin.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Making healthy lifestyle decisions and consistently checking your blood sugar levels are necessary for managing type 2 diabetes. There are a number of things you may do to help manage your disease in addition to the medications previously mentioned:
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly: Regularly check your blood sugar levels can help you keep tabs on how well your treatment plan is functioning and see any early warning signs of potential issues.
- Follow a healthy diet: High in fibre and low in processed foods to help control your blood sugar levels and enhance your general health.
- Get regular physical activity: Regular exercise can help you become more sensitive to insulin and lower your risk of developing problems from diabetes.
- Quit smoking: Your risk of significant health issues, such as heart disease and stroke, can increase if you smoke.
- Manage stress: Find healthy ways to relieve stress, such as through exercise or meditation. Stress can raise your blood sugar levels, so it’s crucial to find ways to reduce it.
Conclusion
Millions of individuals around the world struggle with the chronic illness known as type 2 diabetes. It is characterised by high blood sugar and insulin resistance and is brought on by a confluence of hereditary and environmental variables. Although type 2 diabetes does not yet have a cure, it can be controlled with a combination of lifestyle modifications and drugs. You may help control your disease and lower your chance of developing severe health issues by choosing a healthy lifestyle and routinely checking your blood sugar levels.
Knowledge is power – learn about diabetes and take charge of your health
FAQs
- What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
The body assaults and kills the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas in type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition. The body can’t make enough insulin or utilise it correctly in those with type 2 diabetes.
- What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Increased hunger and thirst, frequent urination, hazy vision, weariness, slowly healing cuts or wounds, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet are some signs of type 2 diabetes.
- What causes type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is an unclear specific origin, however there are a number of risk factors, including obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, ageing, and high blood pressure.
- How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
Through the use of a blood test that gauges blood sugar levels, type 2 diabetes is identified. The HbA1c test, the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), and the Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG) are just a few of the several assays that can be applied.
- How is type 2 diabetes treated?
A combination of lifestyle modifications, such as eating a nutritious diet and exercising frequently, and drugs, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, can be used to treat type 2 diabetes. To control blood sugar levels, insulin therapy may occasionally be required.