Our collective diets have become more unhealthy over the years and our waistlines are larger as a consequence. We are putting ourselves at high risk for many diseases, including type 2. Diabetes can be dangerous and if not treated promptly, can cause nerve damage and kidney damage. There are ways to avoid type 2 diabetes. Your body needs sugar or glucose to function. Your pancreas releases insulin when you eat. This hormone moves sugar from your bloodstream into your cells where it can be used as energy or stored. Type 2 diabetes means that this system isn't as effective as it should. This is due to the fact that insulin doesn't work well in your cells. Sugar builds up in your blood. This is why sugar builds up in your blood. Sugar overdose can cause damage to organs such as your eyes and kidneys. It can also lead to complications such as nerve damage or heart disease. Diabetes complications can lead to blindness, amputations of your feet or toes, and even death. Diabetes complications can be prevented by controlling your blood sugar well. However, you must first know that you have type 2. It can sometimes be difficult to know if you have diabetes because there may not be any symptoms. Diabetes can be diagnosed by feeling thirsty, tired, and having to use the toilet a lot. A clue could also be blurred vision. A blood test can be done by your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. It's your responsibility to manage diabetes once you are diagnosed. Your doctor will help you to manage your sugar levels. You will need to consult a number of healthcare professionals in order to avoid serious complications. This includes a podiatrist for checking your feet and an ophthalmologist for checking your eyes. A dentist is also needed to perform cleanings and exams. You should also see your primary care physician regularly because type 2 diabetes can increase your risk of developing heart disease. As with any other disease, it is better to prevent type 2 diabetes than to have to treat it. Ask your doctor to test your blood sugar if you are overweight or older than 45. You can prevent complications from developing if you already have diabetes. Keep your health in check, monitor your blood sugar levels, exercise regularly, and see all your specialists as scheduled. Your doctor should be a part of your care. If you feel numb or tingling in the legs or feet, blurry sight, extreme thirst, weakness or fatigue, call immediately.
Causes
Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas from special cells called beta cells. The stomach is located below the pancreas. Insulin is required to move glucose (blood sugar) into the cells. The cells store glucose and use it later for energy.
Type 2 diabetes is when your liver, fat, and muscles don't respond to insulin properly. This is known as insulin resistance. This is called insulin resistance.
High levels of sugar build up in the blood when sugar cannot be absorbed into cells. This is hyperglycemia. This is when the body cannot use glucose as energy. This causes type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes typically develops slowly over time. When diagnosed, most people with type 2 diabetes are either overweight or obese. Insulin use is affected by increased fat.
Non-obese and overweight people can develop type 2 diabetes. This is more common among older adults.
Type 2 diabetes is influenced by genes and family history. Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes is increased by low activity, poor diet, and excessive waist circumference.
Signs
Type 2 diabetes patients often don't have symptoms at all. Sometimes, they may not experience symptoms for years.
High blood sugar levels may lead to diabetes symptoms such as:
Bladder, kidney, or skin infections are more common or heal slower.
Fatigue
Hunger
Increased thirst
Blurred vision
Diabetes can cause serious health problems over many years.
Exams and tests
If your blood sugar levels are higher than 200 mg per deciliter (mg/dL), or 11.1 mmol/L, your health care provider might suspect you may have diabetes. One or more of these tests are required to confirm your diagnosis.
Fasting glucose level -- It is considered diabetes if it is greater than 126 mg/dL (7.0mmol/L), or both.
Hemoglobin (A1C), test -- Diabetes can be diagnosed if the test results are 6.5% or greater.
Oral glucose tolerance testing -- Diabetes can be diagnosed if glucose levels are 200 mg/dL (11.1mmol/L) or higher two hours after drinking special sugar drinks.
It is highly recommended that you screen for diabetes:
Children with excess weight , who are at high risk for developing diabetes. This is a starting point at 10 years old and continuing every 2 years.
Obese Adults ( BMI 25 or Higher) Starting at 35
Women who are overweight and have high blood pressure who plan to get pregnant
All adults start at 35 years old. This can be repeated at 3 years or earlier if there are risk factors like high blood pressure or having a brother, father, sister or mother with diabetes.
You should work closely with your doctor if you have been diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes. Your provider should be consulted as often as possible. This could be every 3 to 6 months.
These tests and exams will allow you to monitor your diabetes and help prevent future problems.
Examine the skin, nerves and joints of your feet, legs, and ankles.
You can check if your feet feel numb ( diabetic neuro disease).
Your blood pressure should be checked at least once per year. The goal is 140/80 mmHg.
If your diabetes is under control, you should have your A1C tested at least every six months. If your diabetes is not under control, you should have the test done every 3 months.
Check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels once a year.
To ensure your kidney health, get at least one test per year ( microalbuminuria or serum creatinine).
You should visit your eye doctor at least once per year. If you are suffering from diabetic eyes disease, it is recommended that you see your eye doctor more frequently.
Every six months, visit the dentist for a comprehensive dental cleaning and exam. Diabetes is something that your dentist and hygienist should know about.
If you take metformin, your provider might want to test your vitamin B12 levels.
Treatment
The goal of treatment at first is to lower blood sugar. The long-term goal is to avoid complications. These are potential health issues that may arise from diabetes.
Being active and eating healthy food are the best ways to manage type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes sufferers should be provided with education and support on how to manage it. Ask your provider to refer you to a certified diabetes education and care specialist as well as a dietitian.
LEARN THESE SKILLS
Diabetes management skills can help you live with diabetes well. These skills can help you avoid health problems and prevent the need to seek medical attention. These skills include:
How to test your blood glucose and keep track
What, when and how much should you eat?
How to increase your activity levels and manage your weight safely
How to take your medicine, if necessary
How to identify and treat low or high blood sugar
How to handle sick days
How to store and where to buy diabetes supplies
These skills may take several months. Continue to learn about diabetes and its complications. Learn how you can manage and live with it. Keep up to date with new treatments and research. You should only trust information that comes from trusted sources such as your doctor and diabetes educator.
MANAGE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
You can check your sugar level by yourself. The results will tell you how well your diabetes management is going. Discuss with your doctor and diabetes educator how often you should check.
A glucose meter is a device that measures your blood sugar. A lancet is a small needle that you use to poke your finger. This will give you a small amount of blood. Then, you place the blood on a test strips and then put the strip in the meter. The meter will give you a reading which tells you how high your blood sugar is.
A diabetes educator or provider will assist you in setting up a testing plan. Your provider can help you establish a range of blood sugar numbers. These are important factors to keep in mind
Type 2 diabetes patients typically only need to monitor their blood sugar at most once or twice per day.
You may only need to monitor your blood sugar levels once a week if you have it under control.
It is possible to test your self at night, before and after meals.
When you're sick or under stress, you may need to test more frequently.
If you have more frequent low blood sugar symptoms, you may need to test more frequently.
Keep track of your blood sugar levels for your provider and yourself. Your numbers may indicate that you need to adjust your diet, exercise, or medications to maintain your blood sugar levels in the correct range. Bring your blood glucose monitor to all medical appointments. The data can be downloaded and discussed.
If:
Insulin injections are used many times per day
A severe episode of low blood sugar has occurred.
Your blood sugar level varies a lot
The CGM's sensor is located just below the skin and measures glucose levels in tissue fluid every five minutes.
Healthy Eating and Weight Control
Talk to your doctor about the amount of fat, protein, or carbohydrates you should be eating. Your lifestyle and preferences should be considered when planning your meals.
It is important to manage your weight and have a healthy diet. Type 2 diabetes patients may be able to stop taking medication after losing weight. However, this does not mean they are free from diabetes. They have diabetes.
Obese individuals with diabetes who are not well controlled by diet and medication may be interested in weight-loss (bariatrics).
REGULAR PHYSICAL EXERCISE
It is essential for everyone to engage in regular activity. This is especially important if you have diabetes. It is good for your health, because:
Lowens blood sugar without taking any medication
To help you manage your weight, burn extra calories and fat
Increases blood flow and blood tension
Increases your energy levels
Increases your ability handle stress
Before you start any exercise program, talk to your doctor. Type 2 diabetes patients may require special precautions before, during and after exercise. This includes adjusting insulin doses if necessary.
MEDICINES FOR DIABETES
Your provider may recommend medication if diet and exercise are not helping to maintain blood sugar levels at a normal or near-normal level. Your provider might recommend that you take multiple drugs to lower your blood sugar.
Below are some of the most commonly used medicines. They can be taken either by injection or mouth.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
Biguanides
Bile acid sequestrants
DPP-4 inhibitors
Injectable medicines (GLP-1 analogs)
Meglitinides
Inhibitors of SGLT2
Sulfonylureas
Thiazolidinediones
If your blood sugar is not controlled by the other medicines, insulin may be required. Insulin is usually administered under the skin with a pump, pen, or syringe. The inhaled insulin form is another type of insulin. Insulin can't be swallowed because it is destroyed by stomach acid.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS
Your provider might prescribe medication or other treatments to lower your chances of developing diabetes .
Eye disease
Kidney disease
Stroke and heart disease
FOOT CARE
People with diabetes are more likely to develop foot problems than those who don't have diabetes. Diabetes can damage the nerves. Your feet may feel less pressure, heat, pain, or cold. A foot injury may not be noticed until there is severe tissue damage or severe infection.
Blood vessels can also be damaged by diabetes. Sometimes, small cuts or sores in the skin can lead to deeper skin sores (ulcers). If the skin ulcers don't heal, or if they become deeper, more severe, or infected, then it may be necessary to amputate the affected limb.
To avoid problems with your feet
Stop smoking if you smoke.
You can improve your control over blood sugar.
To determine if nerve damage has occurred, have your foot examined by your doctor at least twice per year.
Ask your provider to examine your feet for calluses, bunions, or hammertoes. These problems must be addressed to prevent skin damage and ulcers.
Every day, take care of your feet. If you have foot or nerve damage, or other problems, this is especially important.
Minor infections such as athlete's feet should be treated immediately.
Apply moisturizing lotion to dry skin.
You should ensure you are wearing the correct type of shoes. Ask your provider which type of shoe is best for you.
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Being diagnosed with diabetes can be difficult. It can be overwhelming to think about all the things you have to do to manage diabetes. However, taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical health.
Here are some ways to reduce stress:
Relaxing music is a great way to relax
Meditation can help you forget your worries
Deep breathing can be used to relieve tension.
Yoga, Tai Chi, and progressive relaxation
Sometimes feeling sad, down (depressed), or anxious is normal. Talk to your doctor if these feelings are a regular occurrence and you're having trouble managing your diabetes. They may be able to help you feel better.
Diabetes patients should ensure that they adhere to their vaccination schedule.
Support groups
Many resources can help you learn more about type 2 diabetes. There are also ways you can manage your diabetes so that you can live well.
Outlook (Prognosis).
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can be fatal and has no cure.
Type 2 diabetes patients don't need to take medication if they lose weight or become more active. Once they have reached their ideal weight, insulin in their bodies and healthy eating habits can help control their blood sugar levels.
Possible complications
Diabetes can cause serious health problems after a long time.
Eye problems could include difficulty seeing at night, light sensitivity, and vision impairments. You may go blind.
Infections can occur in the feet and skin. Your foot or leg might need to be amputated if the wounds don't heal well. Itching and pain can also be caused by infections.
It may be more difficult to manage your cholesterol and blood pressure if you have diabetes. This could lead to a coronary attack, stroke and other issues. It can make it harder for blood flow to your feet and legs.
Your body's nerves can be damaged and cause pain, tingling and numbness.
Nerve damage can cause problems with digestion. You might feel weak or have difficulty going to the toilet. Men may have difficulty erection due to nerve damage.
High blood sugar levels and other issues can cause kidney damage. Your kidneys might not function as well as they once did. You may need dialysis, or a transplant.
Your immune system can be affected by high blood sugar. You may be more susceptible to getting infections such as fungal and life-threatening skin infections.
When should you contact a medical professional?
If you need immediate assistance, dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately
Chest pain, or pressure
The appearance of confusion, fainting or unconsciousness
Seizure
Breathing difficulties
Rapidly spreading red, painful skin
These symptoms can quickly become severe and emergency conditions, such as seizures, hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic complications.
If you have any questions, please contact your provider.
Tingling, numbness or pain in the feet or legs
Troubles with your eyesight
Infections and sores on your feet
High blood sugar symptoms include extreme thirst, blurry vision and dry skin.
Low blood sugar symptoms include fatigue, weakness, trembling and sweating, irritability and trouble thinking clearly.
Frequent feelings or thoughts of anxiety or depression
Prevention
A healthy weight can prevent type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating habits, controlling your portions, and an active lifestyle can help you reach a healthy weight. Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented by certain medicines for those at high risk.
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