Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms and Treatment
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for more than 90% of cases. This condition can cause a number of complications, such as kidney failure, blindness, heart disease and stroke, as well as the possibility for a foot or leg to be amputated. But the good news is that Type 2 diabetes is often preventable, and its progress can be reversed with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.
The board-certified primary care providers at Beaufort Memorial can be your greatest allies in preventing or managing Type 2 diabetes. Find a provider accepting new patients.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body does not properly respond to or make enough insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts blood sugar into energy. Those at risk for Type 2 diabetes may first develop insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s tissues, organs and muscles do not use blood sugar effectively, prompting the pancreas to produce more insulin. This can evolve into prediabetes, in which blood sugar levels are high but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Most cases of Type 2 diabetes develop in adults over age 45, but in recent years, there has been a rise in diagnoses in children and teenagers.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors and Diagnosis
Being overweight or obese and not getting enough physical activity can put you at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. You also may be at risk if you have any of the following:
- African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander ancestry
- Family history of diabetes
- History of high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, heart disease and/or stroke
- History of polycystic ovary syndrome
- History of prediabetes or gestational diabetes
Your primary care provider can help you determine what preventive steps or lifestyle changes you may need to make if you have any of these risk factors. He or she can also advise you on whether you should be tested for Type 2 diabetes. The condition is most commonly diagnosed with a blood test called an A1C, which measures your blood sugar levels over the preceding three months.
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Type 2 diabetes is usually treated with a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications, including insulin. Your treatment will depend on your medical history and how far the disease has progressed. Regular appointments with your provider to track your progress are important. You will also need to monitor your blood sugar levels.
Your provider may also recommend you meet with a certified diabetes educator at the Beaufort Memorial LifeFit Nutrition Services’ Diabetes Self-Management Program. Because Type 2 diabetes has no cure, diabetes management is crucial in maintaining your health and preventing diabetes-related complications.
Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Healthy lifestyle changes including exercising regularly, changing your diet, giving up sugary drinks, losing weight and quitting smoking can all help prevent or reverse Type 2 diabetes. The primary care providers and certified diabetes educators at Beaufort Memorial are here to assess your needs and help you stick with changes so you can live a long and active life.