Diabetes is dubbed as the “Silent Killer” of all of the diseases since it progresses silently. Now, there are two types of diabetes. And for today, type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of diabetes, will be discussed for the information of everybody.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized as a problem in the body, which causes sugar levels to rise higher than its average level. In medical terms, this condition of the body is called hyperglycemia.
So, if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, then it means to say that your body is not using your body’s insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, because your body is not using insulin properly, then your pancreas makes up for it. However, over time, it will not be able to keep up, which leads to an increase of your blood glucose at an abnormal level.
Facts About Type 2 Diabetes
As what was mentioned above, type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes which does not use insulin properly. Since insulin keeps your blood glucose at bay, being insulin resistant means to say that your blood glucose is higher than usual.
Now, when glucose builds up in your blood instead of going into the cells, then it causes two significant problems. Your cells are starved for energy, and then over time, your high blood glucose levels will hurt your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
With this said, type 2 is treated with lifestyle changes and medications like oral medications and insulin.
Although there are some people with type 2 diabetes that can control their blood glucose through eating healthy and being physically active, having a doctor’s prescription is still needed. Thus, make sure that you visit your doctor and follow whatever medications your medical healthcare provider instructs you.
Additionally, since type 2 worsens over time, oral medications or insulin injections are prescribed to meet you so that you will be able to meet your targeted blood glucose level.
Who’s at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
Age, gender, and genetics are one of the inevitable factors, but so is your race. Some groups have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to other races.
Races like African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans/ Pacific Islanders are more susceptible to type 2 diabetes.
How to Beat Type 2 Diabetes?
Science has made it possible for us to beat type 2 diabetes with both medical science and diet through proper and thorough researching. Now, the secret to managing type 2 diabetes is out, and it isn’t all about taking your prescribed medications.
But first, let’s discuss briefly type 2 diabetes’ medications. Now, for a thorough discussion about medication, you can visit sites like pharmaquotes.com for more information.
Metformin (Glumetza, Glucophage, etc.). Generally speaking, metformin is the first medication to prescribe for patients that have type 2 diabetes. This drug works by lowering glucose production in the liver while improving the body’s insulin sensitivity for it to be used more effectively.
Sulfonylureas. This medication helps in secreting more insulin. Part of this medication is Glyburide, Glipizide, and Glimepiride.
Meglitinides. Drugs like repaglinide, and nateglinide, works like sulfonylureas, which also stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin but in a faster way. However, the duration of the effect in the body is shorter.
Lifestyle Changes and Healthy Diet. Both of this might sound repetitive since you might have heard of this from almost all doctors and health gurus.
Improve Your Diet. How you manage your diet significantly affects how you manage your type 2 diabetes. This is why a healthy diet for people with type 2 diabetes consists of fresh or frozen fruit, whole grains, vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat or fat-free dairy.
Also, avoid or be especially wary of loading up on foods that are high in glycemic index and glycemic load since they significantly affect glucose levels. The best example for foods like this is processed foods or fast foods.
Exercising and Losing Weight. Over and over, health service providers and even health gurus have been promoting exercising and losing weight (if you are obese) to achieve a healthy body and mind.
Not only that but exercising and maintaining a healthy weight greatly affects your blood sugar by improving it and help keep type 2 diabetes under control. Now, just know that you do not have to lose a lot of weight to make a difference, you only need to lose 10 to 15 pounds or around 5 to 7 percent of your body weight to help lower the risk.
Takeaway
Lastly, you need to make sure that your stress levels are managed well to gain control over your blood sugar level.
Overall, what you really need to do to fight the battle and win against diabetes is that you take good care of your body. After all, it is your responsibility, and you are held accountable for whatever your body goes through.