digital divide network - article database

With around 90% diabetes cases resulting from type 2 diabetes, it is the most visible form of diabetes where it is highly essential to have knowledge about it, and to act upon it. But, what is type 2 diabetes? Well, it is a chronic disorder where the glucose levels escalate in the blood, increasing your chances of developing severe health complications. Diabetes occurs due to lack of insulin, which is a hormone that stores blood glucose into cells providing them with energy. Unlike the case of type 1 diabetes where body stops producing insulin, a type 2 diabetic patient produces insulin, but fails to utilize it properly. The pancreas either fails to produce enough insulin, or the body is unable to use it sufficiently. This is what insulin resistance is all about.

Due to the insufficient insulin production or improper usage of insulin, the glucose fails to make it to the body cells. This eventually results in the accumulation of glucose in the blood, which affects the ability of cells to function properly. As the glucose levels go on increasing in the blood, it may cause harm to the nerves and blood vessels of kidneys, eyes and heart over time. In fact, this may further enhance your susceptibility to developing heart disease.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Despite the body not showing any sign or symptom of diabetes in the initial stages, the common signs of diabetes that it may show later include frequent urination, weight loss, increased hunger and thirst, fatigue and nausea. Other symptoms that may arise include slow healing of cuts and wounds, blurred vision, skin patchiness, and suppressed immune system enhancing vulnerability to infections. If it remains untreated, apart from leading to aforementioned health issues, it may result in limb amputations, stroke, kidney failure, sexual dysfunction and frequent infections.

Factors Leading to Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity often remains the main cause of type-2 diabetes in most cases. Genetic factors and our lifestyle are the main factors that may lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. Where controlling genetic factors is not in your control, you can keep this dreadful condition at bay to a large extent by bringing in certain positive lifestyle changes in your life.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Lowering high blood glucose levels remains the sole aim of treatment. Symptoms usually serve as the main factor that help doctors to determine whether or not one has become diabetic. For diagnosis, the doctor generally asks patients to go through fasting glucose and glucose tolerance tests. After arriving to the end of the tests, the doctor administers treatment for this disorder that covers diet control measures and drugs. Drugs specifically intend at enhancing the ability of the pancreas to produce more insulin for glucose metabolism. The prescribed drugs may also include the ones to lower blood pressure and high cholesterol in order to restrict the onset or development of heart diseases.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Measures

Getting back high blood glucose levels to normal becomes easy with certain lifestyle changes. You can prevent or delay the onset of this dreadful condition through proper diet and regular exercise. This is what doctors advise where they provide the patient with a diabetic diet plan. Typically, foods for diabetics comprise the ones that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and organic nutrients but less in sugar, salt and cholesterol content. Regular exercise is also essential where it helps in maintaining normal blood sugar level and healthy weight. By getting things right with your diet, weight management and exercise, you can control your blood sugar level with ease. However, some doctors may bring in changes in your daily medications along with giving you insulin injections if your condition gets serious, or maintaining blood sugar level becomes problematic.

Thus with all this, you will be able to prevent or manage diabetes easily. Make sure you get consistent at the recommended things for long-term healthiness.