Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90% of all diabetes cases.
Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin or its insulin is not used effectively, which leads to high blood glucose (sugar) in the blood, which can cause various health problems.
Here are five facts about type 2 diabetes that you should know.
Type 2 Diabetes is Often Asymptomatic
One of the biggest challenges with type 2 diabetes is that it often does not cause symptoms in its early stages. It means that many people with type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have the condition until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.
Sometimes, symptoms may be present but can be easily dismissed or attributed to other causes. Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.
However, these symptoms may not become apparent until blood sugar levels have been elevated for some time.
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Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes-Related Complications
The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
- Being overweight or obese. The more body fat you have, the more resistant your cells become to insulin.
- Family history of diabetes. If you have a parent, sibling, or other close relatives with diabetes, your risk of developing the condition is higher.
- Sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity or exercise can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- High blood pressure. If your blood pressure is consistently high, it can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of developing diabetes.
- High cholesterol. High LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries, increasing your risk of developing diabetes.
- Age. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases as you grow, especially after age 45.
- Race or ethnicity. People of certain racial and ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians, are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
While some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, others can be modified. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a balanced diet can all help to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes Can Lead to Serious Health Complications
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications if left untreated or poorly managed. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, leading to various health problems. Here are some of the potential complications that can arise from type 2 diabetes:
- Cardiovascular disease - People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
- Nerve damage (neuropathy) - High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves throughout the body, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. It can also cause digestive problems, erectile dysfunction, and other issues.
- Kidney disease (nephropathy) - Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease or kidney failure.
- Eye damage (retinopathy) - High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems or even blindness.
It's important to note that many of these complications can be prevented or delayed with appropriate medical care and lifestyle changes. As a result, your blood sugar levels may become too high, leading to type 2 diabetes.
- Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes.
- A balanced diet includes many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Regular physical activity can also help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
- It's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalised plan for managing your type 2 diabetes.
How Does Ethnicity Play a Role in Type 2 Diabetes?
Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes can vary by ethnicity. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, in the United States, people who are African American, Alaska Natives, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander have a higher risk of diabetes than people of non-Hispanic white ethnicity.
Ethnicity can also affect how weight increases your risk of having type 2 diabetes. While having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 and higher is a risk factor for most ethnic groups, a BMI of 23 and higher for Asian Americans and 26 or higher for Pacific Islanders can put a person at higher risk.
Type 2 Diabetes Management
While there is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes can manage their condition and live healthy, active lives with appropriate medical care and lifestyle changes.
Treatment for diabetes management typically involves:
- Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
The cornerstone of type 2 diabetes management is blood sugar control. It typically involves a combination of healthy eating, physical activity, and medication.
People with diabetes should work with their healthcare provider to develop an individualised diabetes management plan that considers their unique needs and goals.
Medication may sometimes be prescribed to help control blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is also important for managing type 2 diabetes.
How to Prevent Diabetes
While type 2 diabetes is highly manageable, prevention is always preferable to treatment. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
It includes maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Regular medical checkups can also help to identify and manage risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, type 2 diabetes is a common and highly manageable condition. While it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, the good news is that many of them can be prevented or managed with appropriate medical care and lifestyle changes.
If you have any concerns about your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, speak to your healthcare provider. With early diagnosis and effective management, people with type 2 diabetes can lead healthy, active lives.
