Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic illness in which your body is unable to effectively utilize insulin. While there are several things you may control to reduce your chances of acquiring type 2 diabetes, it cannot always be completely avoided.
Some people do not produce enough insulin to successfully manage their blood sugar levels. Other people produce insulin, but the body does not use it properly (a condition known as insulin resistance). This can result in elevated amounts of glucose (sugar) in your system, which can have major long-term health repercussions, including damage to vital organs such as your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.123
Diabetes type 2 is the most frequent type of diabetes in the United States (US). One in every ten persons in the United States has diabetes, and 90-95% of them have type 2.4 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Diabetes type II.
Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet, exercising, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and other habits can decrease or postpone the development of T2D.
This page explains type 2 diabetes, who is at risk, how genetics may influence your risk, how you may lower your risk, and what to discuss with your healthcare professional.
Who is the most vulnerable?
Diabetes can strike at any age, although it is more frequent in persons 45 and older.2 Type 1 diabetes is thought to be triggered by the immune system attacking your body's insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is typically caused by insulin resistance—the body's cells not adequately using insulin.5
Other T2D risk factors include:2
Diabetic family members
Obesity or being overweight
Sedentary lifestyle, commonly known as a lack of physical activity
Blood pressure that is too high
Being told you have prediabetes
Being pregnant with gestational diabetes
persons born male are diagnosed somewhat more frequently than persons born female6.
Some people discover they have diabetes after experiencing symptoms and being checked by a healthcare practitioner. Other people can live for a long period with very minor symptoms and may be unaware that they have diabetes. In fact, it is believed that over half of all diabetics have yet to be diagnosed. Even if you feel good, diabetes can cause damage to your body.7
Molecular genetics
You have a five to ten times greater probability of receiving a diabetes diagnosis at some point in your life if you have a close relative—a parent, sibling, or child—who has the disease.8. But not everyone with a family history of diabetes will go on to have the condition. Your total risk may be lowered by addressing the risk factors you can control, such as blood pressure, nutrition, and physical exercise.
As of right now, there isn't a precise genetic test that can determine your likelihood of having diabetes. Inform your healthcare professional of any illnesses or ailments that run in your family. Make sure you consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you start experiencing T2D symptoms.
Ways to Lower the Risk
Modifiable risk factors are those that can be changed to reduce your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Your health can be significantly impacted by little adjustments. If you require assistance or further information on any prescribed treatments, drugs, or lifestyle modifications, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Exams and Screenings
There are no specific tests or screening tools to determine if you will develop diabetes. However, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests, which can help diagnose diabetes. Typically, your random blood sugar level provides a snapshot of your blood sugar level at a specific time. Fasting blood sugar is usually measured early in the morning. This test shows your blood sugar at a specific time on a specific day. Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that shows how your blood sugar levels change over a period of about 3 months.9
These are simple blood tests that can be done in an office or laboratory. You may feel localized pain when you approach the vein, and some people may experience mild bruising for a few days.
Lifestyle Preferences
Changing your lifestyle habits can delay or prevent the development of diabetes. More research is needed to understand how all of these factors work. Current recommendations include:10
Control your weight: A 7% weight loss is significantly associated with a lower risk of disease. However, you should always discuss drastic weight changes with your doctor so that he or she can help you decide whether and, if so, how.
Watch your diet: Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables and lean proteins, can help keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
Engage in moderate-intensity exercise: Exercise at least 150 minutes a week with activities such as brisk walking, cycling, dancing and strength training.
Although these habits were first examined in 2002, a more recent meta-analysis looked at several studies over several years and found that the same lifestyle changes resulted in a 47% decrease in the risk of developing T2D.11
Your doctor can help and support you in changing your lifestyle. You may benefit from diabetes education, working with a registered dietitian, or participating in an exercise program. If you have restrictions that affect your diet or activity level, talk to your doctor about ways to change your lifestyle to reduce your risk of diabetes. Future research will focus on how these habits can be integrated to suit different skills and circumstances.
Medications Taken
There are not many medications that prevent people from developing type 2 diabetes. Metformin is a medication used to delay the onset of T2DM.12
Aroda VR, Ratner RE. Metformin and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Spectrum 2018;31(4):336-342. doi:10.2337/ds18-0020
However, if you are prediabetic or suffer from T2D, your doctor may prescribe medications to control your blood sugar levels.
Make sure you understand how to monitor your blood sugar and take your medications. Abnormal blood sugars can cause serious complications and other health problems.
There are both oral and injectable medications used to treat type 2 diabetes.2 Your doctor will evaluate your health situation and prescribe medications if necessary. Some people need to try different medications or different combinations of medications to achieve their desired blood sugar levels. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects, blood sugar problems, or concerns about your treatment plan.
Talk About It With Your Medical Professional
The following are the most typical signs of diabetes: 8
Frequent urine, or frequent trips to the restroom
Having a constant thirst
Blurry eyesight
Discuss any diabetes-related symptoms you are experiencing or worries you may have about getting diabetes with your healthcare professional.
Before beginning any significant lifestyle or health changes, make sure to discuss them with your practitioner.
A Brief Recap
The most prevalent kind of diabetes, type 2, usually affects individuals over 45. At first, symptoms could be subtle or insignificant, so be sure to finish any routine testing your doctor orders you to. Diabetes cannot be completely prevented, but eating a balanced diet, getting more exercise, and decreasing weight can all help.
Collaborate with your medical team to learn how to manage your blood sugar levels if you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes can cause major long-term consequences, but they can be lessened by following your doctor's recommendations for medicine and food.
0 Comments