Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
- Darkened skin
Problems caused by Type 2 Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Stroke Kidney Disease
- Eye Complications
- Nerve Damage
- Foot Complications
- Depression
- Skin Complications
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
The key to treating type 2 diabetes is controlling blood sugar levels. All of the following help to lower blood sugar:
- Eating healthy foods
- Losing weight, if you are overweight
- Getting regular exercise
- In some cases, taking medicines
Treatment for diabetes also includes checking blood sugar levels to make sure that the disease is under control. It is important to watch for signs of high and low blood sugar. Both can cause problems and need to be treated. People with diabetes need regular checkups to make sure that the treatment is working and that they do not get more serious health problems
Best Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with diabetes. A type 2 diabetes diet and following the right meal plan can make all the difference to a person struggling to keep their blood sugar under control. Carbohydrates are one of the major food categories (the others include proteins and fats) in a type 2 diabetes diet. They provide fuel for the body in the form of glucose. Carbohydrates, rather than fats or proteins, have the most immediate effect on your blood sugar since carbohydrates are broken down directly into sugar early during digestion. It is important to eat the suggested amount of carbohydrate at each meal, along with some protein and fat. Carbohydrates are mainly found in the following food groups.
- Fruit
- Milk and yogurt
- Bread, cereal, rice, pasta
- Starchy vegetables like potatoes