Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (also called adult-onset diabetes) is an often lifelong impairment in the way the body regulates and uses sugar. According to the CDC, over 90% of Americans suffering from diabetes have type 2 diabetes
It is a disease that causes the resistance of insulin in the body and is most prevalent among middle-aged or older adults. In recent years, however, childhood obesity has also contributed to it affecting teens and kids as well.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. The hormone is primarily responsible for the absorption of glucose (sugar) by our body cells, but it also contributes to the breakdown of fats and protein for bodily energy.
diabetes test kit
SYMPTOMS
The following are some of the possible symptoms of type 2 diabetes. You should check with your doctor to be sure as some of the following could also pass as symptoms of other health challenges.
- Wounds that don’t heal
- Recurring yeast infections
- Weight loss without any effort
- Blurry vision
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Peeing a lot
CAUSES OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
People with this type of diabetes make insulin. However, their body cells cant manage to make use of it effectively. In response to this, the pancreas produces more insulin in an attempt to get the cells back on track but ultimately can’t keep up with the abnormal working condition.
This leads to an increase in the blood sugar level and that is a perfect condition for the onset of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Some of the factors that could trigger this condition include:
- Being overweight
- Genes
- An Excessive Amount Of Glucose In Your Liver
- Metabolic Syndrome
RISK FACTORS
Certain factors may increase the risk of this diabetes type in an individual. Let’s briefly touch on some of them:
- Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is higher as you get older. Especially after the age of 45. Little wonder it is also known as adult-onset diabetes.
- Race: Some races are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than others. For instance, The Black, Asian, and native Americans are at higher risk than their white counterparts.
- Prediabetes: A condition where an individual’s blood sugar level is higher than it should, but not high enough to be classed as type 2 diabetes. If not properly managed, it often develops into type 2 diabetes.
- Dark skin patches: The presence of darkened skin around the neck and armpit regions could be an indication of insulin resistance in the body
- Family: An individual has higher chances of developing type 2 diabetes if his/her parents or older family member has or had it.
- Inactivity: You are more likely to develop this diabetes type if you do not engage in any form of energy-consuming activities.
- Gestational Diabetes: Women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Other risk factors include fat distribution in the body, being overweight, blood lipid level, Smoking, etc.
PREVENTION
There are a few ways to either prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. They include the following lifestyle changes:
- Lose Weight: Being overweight doesn’t only increase your chances of being diabetic, it also enhances the possibility of having high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, heart disease, and others.
- Avoid Prolonged Inactivity: If you sit for long hours every day as a result of your job or business, aim to get up intermittently and move around.
- Watch your Blood Pressure: Work with your doctor to maintain optimal blood pressure.
- Exercise: Get more active. Take the dog out for a walk, engage in morning workout sessions, take the staircase, etc. Whatever you can do to exercise your body.
- Quit smoking: Smoking has a strong link to diabetes. If that’s not enough reason to discourage you, then you should also be aware that it reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your body organs thereby causing high blood pressure, stroke, etc
- Healthy Eating: Make changes to your eating habits as well as the type of food you take. Generally, you should focus on:
- Avoiding sugar and saturated fats
- Adding fruits and vegetables to your meal
- Avoiding unhealthy fats
- Adding foods high in fiber to your meal plan, etc
healthy dieting is essential in managing diabetes
CONCLUSION
Making healthy lifestyle choices can help in the delay or prevention of diabetes in general. Whether you are newly diagnosed or already managing it, adopting some of the lifestyle changes covered above can go a long way in the successful treatment, management or prevention of not just type 2, but other forms of diabetes.
