Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood glucose (sugar). In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, which causes the body’s blood sugar levels to become too high.
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness.
The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Common risk factors for type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, being of African, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American ancestry, having a family history of the condition, and living a sedentary lifestyle.
The primary treatment for type 2 diabetes is lifestyle modification, which includes:
Other treatments may include:
To help manage the condition, it’s recommended to have regular visits with a certified diabetes educator. With appropriate management, patients with type 2 diabetes can live long, healthy and active lives.
Some common medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes include metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and insulin.
The frequency of blood sugar checks for people with Type 2 diabetes can vary depending on the individual's treatment plan and level of blood sugar control.
Lifestyle changes that can help manage Type 2 diabetes include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, monitoring blood sugar levels, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
While there is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, it can be managed and controlled with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
