Understanding Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview

What is Insulin Resistant Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), which is the main source of fuel for your body's cells. With insulin resistant diabetes, the body either resists the effects of insulin - a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells - or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to serious damages to various organs including heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels.

Symptoms of Insulin Resistant Diabetes

Some common symptoms of insulin resistant Type 2 Diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision and dry mouth. However, many people may not experience any obvious symptoms, especially in early stages of the disease. This makes it harder to detect and the condition may go unnoticed for quite some time if not tested routinely. Some people may be diagnosed only after suffering a heart attack or stroke, as insulin resistant diabetes increases the risk of life-threatening complications.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing type insulin resistant diabetes:

- Obesity: Being overweight, especially with excess fat around the waist, increases insulin resistance. Losing even a small amount of weight reduces the risk significantly.

- Family history: Your odds for insulin resistant diabetes rises if you have a parent, sibling or other close relative with the disease. You are genetically predisposed if diabetes runs in your family.

- Age: The risk increases as you age, especially after turning 45 years. The chances are higher for those over 65.

- Race/ethnicity: Indigenous people, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at higher risk than whites. Those from Indian and Chinese origins have a high genetic predisposition.

- Gestational diabetes: If you had high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, you are at increased risk later in life.

- Unhealthy lifestyle: Following an unhealthy diet and being inactive physically increases your odds. Eating excess sugars and refined carbs raises insulin levels.

Diagnosis and Tests for Type 2 Diabetes

Your doctor will take into account your risk factors, symptoms (if any) and conduct blood tests to diagnose and confirm insulin resistant diabetes:

- Fasting plasma glucose test (FPG): A blood sample is analyzed after fasting for 8 hours. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): After an overnight fast, blood is drawn, then you drink a sugary liquid and samples are taken every 30 minutes for 2 hours. Levels of 200 mg/dL or higher confirm the diagnosis.

- A1C test: This measures average blood sugar levels over 3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or above is diagnostic of diabetes.

- Random plasma glucose test: If you have obvious symptoms, a random test showing a level of 200 mg/dL or above also signifies diabetes.

Your primary doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist for evaluation and management if your case warrants further expertise or if blood sugar control is poor.

Treatment and Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity and preventing complications. Lifestyle modification always forms the first line of action:

- Healthy diet: Eating plenty of fiber-rich whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Limiting refined carbs, sugar, unhealthy fats.

- Weight loss: Even modest weight reduction can significantly improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity.

- Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise like walking or swimming daily. Activity increases insulin sensitivity.

- Blood sugar monitoring: Use a glucometer regularly to check fasting and post-meal glucose levels.

- Medications: If lifestyle changes don't suffice, oral diabetes pills and/or insulin injections may be prescribed to sufficiently lower blood sugar.

- Managing risk factors: Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels is vital to prevent damage to organs and blood vessels.

- Routine screening: Regular eye, foot, kidney function tests help identify early signs of any associated complications to intervene promptly.

With commitment to treatment and healthy behaviors, one can achieve optimal control and live well with insulin resistant diabetes, cutting the risk of significant long-term effects. Consultation with your healthcare team is important for guidance on adjusting medications as needed over time.

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