Understanding Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 2 Diabetes is when the body has a problem with the way it regulates and uses blood sugar, also known as glucose. Glucose is an essential source of energy. With type 2 diabetes your body does one of two things: Either the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or your cells respond poorly to the insulin that is produced. (Insulin Resistance!!)
Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas. It helps sugar move in and out of your cells. The cells in your body need sugar for energy. If the sugar can not get into the cells, it stays in the blood. Which then causes high blood sugar levels.
High blood glucose levels= damaged blood vessels= Serious Health complications
Most Common symptoms:
*Frequent urination
*Excessive thirst
Other symptoms include:
* Increased hunger
* Fatigue
* Blurred vision
* Unintentional weight loss
* Slow healing wounds
* Frequent infections
* Itchy skin
* Numbness and tingling in hands and feet
* Areas of darkened skin
Symptoms develop slowly. Many people are unaware for years they have Type 2 Diabetes
Are you at risk??
Pre-Diabetes: Higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. About 1 in 3 Americans have prediabetes. You wont know until you get tested!
Risk Factors include: Family history, age (especially 45 and older), overweight, physically active less than 3 times per week, African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, If you have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
How can I lower my chances of developing type 2 Diabetes??? ***Life style Changes***
There is no cure for Type 2 Diabetes but there are crucial steps towards prevention and management:
Lose weight! Try to lose about 5% to 7% of your starting weight. For example: If you currently weight 200lbs, your goal would be to lose about 10-14 pounds.
Get physically active! Exercise helps improve blood flow and lowers blood pressure! You should aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week. Talk with your healthcare provider about what activities will be best for you.
Eat healthy ! The main goal is to maintain blood sugar levels. You should try to follow a meal plan that includes foods from all food groups, lower calories, healthy fats, and the same amount of carbohydrates at each meal.
Suggested Portions:
* Vegetables – about 3 cups
* Fruits – 1 to 2 cups
* Grains – about 4 ounces
* Protein – about 5 to 6 ounces
* Dairy – about 3 cups
* Oils/fats – no more than 7 teaspoons
Talk with your provider about beginning an exercise program, healthy meal plans, and start making healthier choices towards a healthier you.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Call Center for Information at 1-800-342-2383 (1-800- DIABETES) for guidance, information, concerns, programs,events, and more!
References
Diabetes risk factors (2022) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/risk-factors
Linke, CS., Kelly, J., Karlsen, M., Pollard, K., Trapp, C. (2022). Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Management with a Low-Fat, Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet. Journal of Family Practice. 71(1), 41-47.
Type 2 diabetes (2022) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/type-2-diabetes
Type 2 diabetes (2021) Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
Type 2 diabetes: Medlineplus medical encyclopedia (no date) MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000313
Type 2 overview (2022) Type 2 Diabetes – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | ADA. Available at: https://diabetes.org/diabetes/type-2
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