What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type-2 diabetes is a condition that causes your body to have significant difficulty breaking down sugar, which is a major fuel source that enables your body to keep going. If you have type-2 diabetes, then you will find that you are either insulin resistant or do not make enough insulin to keep your sugar levels in check.
Who Can Get Type 2 Diabetes?
There are certain factors that will put you at risk for developing type-2 diabetes. One major factor is your weight. If you are overweight, you are at high risk for developing diabetes. Your risk increases if you suffer from obesity, as studies show that most individuals who contend with obesity develop diabetes. This is due to the fact that the fatty tissues in your body will cause your cells to be more resistant to insulin. Another risk factor is race. Individuals who are black, Hispanic, or Asian-American are at risk far more than any other race. Inactivity is also a problem. If you do not get enough exercise, you will be at risk for developing type-2 diabetes because sugars will not metabolize quick enough. Not to mention, you will have significant trouble controlling your weight. Gestational Diabetes is also a risk factor that needs to not be ignored. If you had Gestational Diabetes during the time you were pregnant, you will be at risk for developing type-2 diabetes later on in life. Additionally, if you find that fat is held in your stomach more than in any part of the body, the risk increases. Age and heredity are also contributing factors. If you are over the age of forty-five, you will have a higher risk of getting type-2 diabetes because your body processes a lot slower, and you are not quite as active as you were when you were younger. If you have a sibling or a parent who has type-2 diabetes, you are more than likely to develop it yourself.
Symptoms
The symptoms of diabetes often develop overtime. If you are at an increased risk for developing the disease, talk to your doctor about preventative care and treatment. Symptoms of type-2 diabetes include:
- Feeling of constant hunger
- Chronic fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Sores and injuries do not heal quickly
- Increased infections
- Darkened pigment develops on the skin
Treatment
While type-2 diabetes cannot be cured, it can be treated. One major treatment is your diet. You must eat healthy, keeping sugar, starches, and junk food to an all-time low. You will also need to exercise regularly. This will help you to burn off sugar and keep your weight under control. You will also need to monitor your blood sugar several times a day. This is to insure your sugar levels do not spike and cause serious health issues. If your type-2 diabetes cannot be controlled by diet, you will need medication.
If you do not yet have type-2 diabetes but want to insure you never develop this condition, you need to make sure you exercise on a regular basis, eat right, and keep your weight down. If you are obese and find that you have trouble losing weight, you may want to consider weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgery like the lap band procedure will enable you to shed the pounds quickly, so you will not develop type-2 diabetes
Suggested Reading
How Minimally Invasive Bariatric Procedures Are Changing Lives
Nutritional Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery Preparation: Ensuring the Best Outcomes
Navigating Your Weight Loss Journey: When to Consider Weight Loss Therapy
Also In This Section
- Understanding the Risks and Rewards of Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Deciding If It’s Right for You with a Specialist’s Guidance
- The Connection Between Bariatric Surgery Psychology and Long-Term Weight Loss
- 5 Essential Supplements to Consider for Your Gastric Bypass Nutrition Plan
- The Role of Nutrition in Recovering from Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Top Reasons to Consider Lap Band Surgery in Michigan for Your Weight Loss Journey
- The Benefits of Surgical Weight Management: What You Need to Know
- Long-Term Success with Weight Loss
- Eating and Exercise Behavioral Changes to Lose Weight
- Weight Loss Doesn’t Come in a Can
- Sleep better to lose weight after weight loss surgery
- Set Up your Home for Weight Loss Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery Benefits Older Adults
- Sleep Better after Weight Loss Surgery
- Getting Active in the Cold
- How to Boost Your Health After Weight Loss Surgery
- Setting Realistic Goals After Surgery
- Eating in Restaurants After Weight Loss Surgery
- Can Being Overweight Hurt You in the Workplace?
- Strategies to Add Activity and Burn Calories after Bariatric Surgery