Diabetes is a chronic health condition of the pancreas. It occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when the body becomes unable to effectively use the insulin pancreas produces. The first scenario describes type 1 diabetes, and the second scenario describes type 2 diabetes.
Uncontrolled diabetes of either type can lead to hyperglycemia or raised blood sugar level. This can lead to serious damage to many organs and especially blood vessels and nerves.
Here are five facts that you should know about diabetes type 2.
Fact #1 Type 2 is the Most Common Type of Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. It makes up about 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases in adults. Certain factors also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes including:
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Aging
- Family history of diabetes type 2
- Are physically active fewer than 3 days a week
Fact #2 Diabetes Type 2 Often Presents Without Symptoms
Symptoms of diabetes type 2 include:
- Increased Hunger: Low insulin levels mean your cells can’t move sugar into your cells. This means your muscles and organs are depleted. As a result, you will feel intense and frequent hunger.
- Weight Loss: Even though you may be eating more than usual to satisfy your hunger, you may still lose weight. Since your body can’t use sugar properly, it will start to burn protein and fat instead, like in your muscles and fat. In addition, the sugar you can’t process is lost in your urine.
- Fatigue: You may feel more tired because your cells are depleted of energy.
- Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections: Since your cells are depleted of energy, they also heal very slowly.
- Areas of Darkened Skin: Certain areas of your body can develop dark patches. This is often found in the armpits and neck. This condition often signals insulin resistance.
- Frequent Urination and Increased Thirst: Diabetics can have too much sugar in the bloodstream, which draws fluid out of the tissue. This may make you thirsty, so you’ll drink and urinate more than usual.
- Blurred Vision: Increased blood sugar pulls fluid out of tissues, even in your eyes. Thie results in fluid loss in your lenses, making it harder for your eyes to focus.
It is important to note that not everyone experiences all these symptoms. In fact, many individuals do not experience any noticeable symptoms of diabetes type 2, especially in its early stages.
Fact #3 It Can Develop at Any Age
Type 2 diabetes used to be thought of as a disease that only affected adults. That’s why it was often called adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent type. This was because it usually only happened when people got older.
Recently, doctors have noticed a worrying trend. Now, young people are developing diabetes, even kids. Why is this happening? More kids are overweight and don’t live healthy lifestyles. They may not exercise enough and eat too many unhealthy foods.
So, while it’s true that Type 2 diabetes can happen at any age, it’s important to know that it’s becoming more common in kids. This shows why it’s so important to eat healthy and stay active. And for those who might be at higher risk, like kids who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes, getting checked regularly by a doctor is also a good idea.
Fact #4 Diabetes Type 2 Can Lead to Serious Complications
Complications resulting from type 2 diabetes are common and can be severe. Millions of people require hospital visits every year due to diabetes complications. Of these, 1 in 3 need to be hospitalized for a length of time.
Uncontrolled diabetes type 2 can result in:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Nervous system complications
- Foot problems
- Dental diseases
- Pregnancy complications
- Blindness or eye problems
- Skin diseases
- Mental health problems, such as depression
Fact #5 Diabetes and Its Complications Are Preventable
Thankfully, both type 2 diabetes and its side effects or complications can be delayed or prevented. The most effective methods to prevent diabetes and its complications include:
- Getting regular physical activity
- Regularly taking your diabetes medications
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regularly monitoring blood cholesterol level, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels
- Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet
- Limiting the consumption of sugary food and beverages
- Avoiding sedentary behaviors
- Getting adequate sleep
- Managing stress through stress reduction techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and hobbies you enjoy
Diabetes Treatment in DeSoto, TX
If you or your loved one are suffering from diabetes and looking for a highly trained and skilled primary care nurse practitioner who offers management of chronic health conditions like diabetes, look no further than our nurse practitioner, Crystal Capler, at Pivot Healthcare Company.
Our skilled nurse practitioner offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services to patients of all ages and backgrounds. She offers management of chronic diseases as well as preventive care and much more.
Our nurse practitioner will also coordinate with your endocrinologist or other specialists to make sure that your diabetes is under control.
If you would like to know more about the services our nurse practitioner offers or would like to meet our provider, call us today at (214) 242-9316 or request an appointment online
