Type 2 Diabetes: Knowing About It in Detail

What is type 2 diabetes? Well, it is a type of diabetes that occurs in context to insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency where this metabolic disorder increases the blood glucose levels in the body tremendously resulting in severe health complications. It is the most visible form of diabetes where it makes up about 90% of diabetes cases with the remaining 10% resulting from type 1 and gestational diabetes. It differs from type 1 diabetes in terms of characteristics where in the case of the latter one, body fails to produce insulin due to destruction of pancreas’ islet cells. With type 2 diabetes, the body cells are unable to use insulin properly. We are aware of the fact that the liver and our food intake provide our body cells with glucose that serves as the main energy source for them. The insulin hormone produced by pancreas supplies this glucose to cells through blood. When the body cells fail to respond to the insulin, the glucose levels increase in the blood that lead to type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes Type 2

Although the body does not show any sign or symptom during the initial stages of type 2 diabetes, it shows common signs of diabetes later like frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, nausea and fatigue. Other symptoms include blurred vision, slow healing of cuts and wounds, skin patchiness, and suppressed immune system leading to frequent infections. If not treated in time, the severity of this disorder may further lead to severe health complications like the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and limb amputations. Other complications include severe damage to the eye and nerves, sexual dysfunction and frequent infections. 

Causes

Obesity tops the list when it comes to causes of type 2 diabetes. Generally, it is the genetic factors and our lifestyle that decide the occurrence or development of this severe disorder. Although genetic factors are uncontrollable, we can control diet and obesity and prevent the occurrence of this condition.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors determine this health condition by observing symptoms where they ask patients to undergo glucose tolerance and fasting glucose tests in order to diagnose the condition. When done with the tests, the doctor administers the treatment for it that includes drugs and diet control methods. The drugs help in stimulating the pancreas to produce a high amount of insulin for sufficient glucose metabolism. Many of them also slow down the carbohydrate breakdown rate. In order to prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease, the doctor may also prescribe drugs to keep blood pressure under control.

The type 2 diabetes treatment aims at getting back the elevated blood sugar levels to normal for which it is necessary to make some health-effective changes in one’s diet and lifestyle. This is where diet control methods come into the picture wherein your doctor will provide you with a diabetic diet plan. Generally, foods for diabetics include the ones that are high in nutrients and vitamins with less sugar and calorie content. Exercise is another equally essential thing that you should incorporate for type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment. Doing regular exercises help regulate the normal blood sugar level and maintain your healthy weight. Mostly, controlling the blood sugar level becomes easy with the diet, weight control and exercise. However, in a chronic or serious case, your doctor may give you insulin injections along with regular diabetic medications if there is no drop in the elevated blood sugar level.  

Thus, preventing type 2 diabetes is not that difficult. All you need to do is follow the recommended diabetic diet, take your medicines on time, exercise regularly and lead a stress free life.

Belmarra Health