What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into glucose, a type of sugar that your cells use for energy. Insulin, a hormone made by your pancreas, helps glucose get into your cells. 

In people with type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin as well as it should. This causes glucose to build up in your blood.

Over time, high blood sugar can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild or even nonexistent at first. Some people don't know they have the condition until they have a routine blood test.

Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

·        Increased thirst

·        Frequent urination

·        Extreme hunger

·        Unexplained weight loss

·        Fatigue

·        Blurred vision

·        Slow-healing sores

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

·        Age: Type 2 diabetes is more common in people over age 45.

·        Family history: If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, you are more likely to develop the condition.

·        Race and ethnicity: Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans.

·        Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

·        Physical inactivity: People who are physically inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

·        Certain medications: Some medications, such as steroids, can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

There is no single test that can diagnose type2 diabetes. Your doctor will likely order a blood test to measure your blood sugar levels.

The most common blood test for diabetes is the fasting plasma glucose test. This test measures your blood sugar level after you have fasted for at least 8 hours.

If you’re fasting plasma glucose level is 126milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher, you have diabetes.

If your fasting plasma glucose level is between 100 and 125 mg/dL, you have Prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition that increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

The goal of treatment for type 2 diabetes is to control your blood sugar levels and prevent complications. The main treatments for type 2 diabetes include:

·        Medications: There area number of medications that can help control blood sugar levels.

·        Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

·        Diet: Eating a healthy diet can help you lose weight and control blood sugar levels.

Lifestyle Changes for People with Type 2 Diabetes

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can also help you manage type 2 diabetes. These changes include:

·        Eating a healthy diet

·        Exercising regularly

·        Losing weight·        Managing stress

·        Quitting smoking

Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, you are at increased risk for a number of serious complications, including:

·        Heart disease

·        Stroke

·        Blindness

·        Kidney disease

·        Nerve damage

·        Foot problems

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

There is no sure way to prevent type 2diabetes, but there are things you can do to lower your risk, including:

·        Maintaining a healthy weight

·        Being physically active

·        Eating a healthy diet

·        If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor about getting tested.