Type 2 Diabetes
Post By: D.K. Mangusan Jr, PTRP
What is type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use the hormone insulin, made in the pancreas, to help them process blood glucose into energy.
People develop type 2 diabetes because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly. Eventually, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the body’s needs. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Research has demonstrated that people at risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay developing type 2 diabetes by losing a little weight. The results of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) showed that moderate diet changes and physical activity can delay and prevent type 2 diabetes.
What are the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
More than 6 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes and do not know it. Many have no signs or symptoms. Symptoms can also be so mild that you might not even notice them. Some people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes.
Symptoms include:increased thirst
Should I be tested for diabetes?
Anyone 45 years old or older should consider getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and overweight, getting tested is strongly recommended. If you are younger than 45, overweight, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should consider getting tested. Ask your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. Your doctor will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes, or diabetes.
What does having pre-diabetes mean?
Pre-diabetes means your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range. It also means you are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, you can reduce the risk of getting diabetes and even return to normal blood glucose levels with modest weight loss and moderate physical activity. If you are told you have pre-diabetes, have your blood glucose checked again in 1 to 2 years.
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
- African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino heritage
- Prior history of gestational diabetes or birth of at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds
- High blood pressure measuring 140/90 or higher
- Abnormal cholesterol with HDL ("good") cholesterol is 35 or lower, or triglyceride level is 250 or higher
- Physical inactivity—exercising fewer than three times a week
How can I reduce my risk?
You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes. Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing a little weight can help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels also helps you stay healthy.If you are overweight
Then take these steps:
- Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight.
- Make wise food choices most of the time.
- Be physically active every day.
If you are fairly inactive
Then take this step:
- Be physically active every day.
Then take these steps:
- Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight.
- Make wise food choices most of the time.
- Reduce your intake of sodium and alcohol.
- Be physically active every day.
- Talk with your doctor about whether you need medicine to control your blood pressure.
Then take these steps:
- Make wise food choices most of the time.
- Be physically active every day.
- Talk with your doctor about whether you need medicine to control your cholesterol levels.
Related Topics:
Type 2 Diabetes(Current Page)
Prevention of Diabetes Complications
How does Diabetes hurt or affect my Kidneys?
Learn more about diabetes at UD-IA: Understanding Diabetes-Increasing Awareness
