What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes in adults over 40 years old. It’s also becoming more common in teenagers, especially those who are overweight, and in certain ethnic groups like Native-Americans, African-Americans, and Latinos.
Causes
Type 2 diabetes has several causes. It tends to run in families (genetic), meaning you’re more likely to get it if your parents or other family members have it. Lifestyle factors also play a big role. In today’s world, where we have less physical activity and often eat high-calorie foods, being overweight and not getting enough exercise can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which involves the immune system attacking the pancreas, type 2 diabetes is not caused by self-allergy, so there are no antibodies in the blood.
Symptoms
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can share some similarities with type 1 diabetes. These may include feeling thirsty all the time, feeling tired, and needing to urinate frequently. Other symptoms are getting infections often and having slow-healing sores. Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all and may be caught off-guard to find out they have diabetes through routine blood tests or screenings.
Treatment
Making lifestyle changes is crucial in managing type 2 diabetes:
- Healthy Eating: Eating foods that are lower in calories, carbohydrates, and fats is important. This helps control blood sugar levels.
- Regular Exercise: Getting at least 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week helps the body use insulin better and keeps blood sugar levels in check.
- Monitoring Blood Sugars: Checking blood sugar levels regularly helps track how well these lifestyle changes are working.
Additionally, medications may be needed:
- Oral Medications: These are pills that help the body make more insulin or use it more effectively. Metformin (Glucophage®) is often the first medication prescribed.
- Start with a lower dose to avoid stomach upset and gradually increase as needed.
- Stop taking these medications if you become ill and consult with your healthcare provider about managing blood sugars during sickness.
- Insulin Therapy: Some people may need insulin shots to control blood sugar levels, especially at diagnosis or during illness.
It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to find the best treatment plan for you. By managing type 2 diabetes well through lifestyle changes and medications, many people can keep their blood sugar levels at target and reduce the risk of complications.