What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Introduction
Type 2 diabetes also known as adult-onset diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body processes blood sugar (glucose). It occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Causes
The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is still unknown but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These include:
- Obesity or overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Family history of diabetes
- Poor diet particularly high in sugar unhealthy fats
- Age (most common in people over 45 years old)
- High blood pressure
Symptoms
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
Diagnosis
Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed through several tests:
- Physical examination to check for symptoms measure blood pressure
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test
- Hemoglobin A1C test
Treatment Management
Type 2 diabetes can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and in some cases medication. Treatment options include:
- Healthy eating – adopting a balanced diet low in sugar unhealthy fats
- Regular physical activity – aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
- Weight loss – maintaining a healthy weight or losing excess weight
- Oral medication – prescribed by a healthcare professional to help regulate blood sugar levels
- Insulin therapy – sometimes necessary in cases where blood sugar levels cannot be effectively controlled with oral medication alone
Prevention
Although type 2 diabetes cannot always be prevented certain measures may reduce the risk of developing the condition:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Eating a well-balanced diet
- Limiting the consumption of sugary drinks foods high in unhealthy fats
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Recognizing the risk factors symptoms treatment options is crucial for early diagnosis effective management. With proper lifestyle changes medical support individuals with type 2 diabetes can lead healthy fulfilling lives.
