What Type 2 Diabetes Is & How to Manage It
Managing diabetes is really important for a diabetic patient. Can it be managed without knowing what type 2 diabetes is? How can it be managed? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know and how to manage it properly.
Being a diabetes patient is a very difficult task. Especially when you are suffering from Type 2 diabetes. It is essential that you must take the necessary measures to manage it.
According to the latest International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the global prevalence of Type 2 in adults was 536.6 million people (10.5%) in 2021, and there would be 783.2 million people (12.2%) living with diabetes worldwide by 2045.
What Type 2 Diabetes is?
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or does not generate enough insulin to maintain blood sugar levels. This type is more common in adults.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, in which the pancreas does not make insulin because of the immune system which attacks the cell in the pancreas. It can be managed by taking insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the management is more complex.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays an essential role in supervising blood sugar levels in the body and is vital for maintaining normal metabolism. In type 2 diabetes, a patient becomes insulin resistant it becomes difficult to manage blood sugar levels.
Causes and Risk
It is a serious condition that can be caused by several factors like lifestyle factors, genetics, environment, etc. Here are some of the common causes and risks:
- Obesity(Being Overweight) – Being overweight can be the most common factor causing type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat can release chemicals that can cause insulin resistance.
- Physical Inactivity – Lack of physical activity can also be the cause of diabetes.
- Genetics – It can be caused by a family history of diabetes. It can be passed down to generations.
- Age – The age of the person is the most common factor causing diabetes. The most common age is 45 years.
- Race – Races like African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and Pacific Islanders are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
- Gestational Diabetes – It is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and grows in later life.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
The symptoms can develop slowly over a period of time. Some of the common symptoms include
- Increase in thirst
- Constant urination
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Slow healing of wounds
- Periodic infections
- Weight loss
- Tingling in hands or feet
It is not necessary that every patient will face these symptoms. But if you experience any of these symptoms you must consult your healthcare professional or your doctor immediately.
Diagnosis for Type 2 Diabetes
There are many tests used by healthcare professionals to diagnose type 2 diabetes. The test can be dependent on the medical history or the need of the patient. It is important to consult your doctor before running any test.
Some of the common tests for Type 2 Diabetes include
- A1C Test – This test is commonly known as the glycated hemoglobin test. This blood test points out your average blood sugar level over 2 to 3 months.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test(OGTT) – This blood test is done after 8 hours of fasting and again after two hours of high sugar liquid intake to measure your blood sugar levels.
- Random Plasma Glucose Test – This kind of blood test can be done anytime without any fasting.
- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test – This kind of blood test can only be done after at least 8 hours of fasting.
Treatment
It is essential for a patient with diabetes to be in constant touch with their doctor. Although there are some measures that can be taken to improve your condition. It can be managed by keeping certain points in mind
- Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle – Although there is no best way to totally control your blood sugar level. But it is possible to manage your diabetes with physical activities followed by a healthy diet plan.
- Taking Proper Medications – There are several kinds of medications. It can be taken in the form of oral medications like tablets or injectable medications like insulin.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring – People suffering from diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels from time to time in order to keep track of the changes that occur because of medications and other aspects.
- Regular Visits for Checkups – Personal efforts for your diabetes management are a great initiative. But it is also important to keep visiting your doctor over a period of time.
Complications
Treating and managing your diabetes is very essential. If not properly managed, there might be some complications. Some potential complications include
- Skin Conditions
- Hearing Impairment
- Slow Healing
- Kidney Disease
- Nerve Damage
- Eye Damage
- Heart Disease
Conclusion
In conclusion, type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or does not generate enough insulin to maintain blood sugar levels.
It is important to keep a check on the symptoms and risks that occur. If you have any of the symptoms you should seek the right test for you. Proper management of it is necessary as it can lead to serious complications.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and take proper medications for diabetes. To buy medication for your diabetic needs visit Pharmaserve.
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