Type 2 diabetes It is a chronic disease that results from the body’s inability to use insulin effectively, which leads to high blood sugar levels. This type of diabetes is the most common among diabetics, and is associated with factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet. It affects adults, but it has begun to appear increasingly among young people due to modern lifestyles. It can be controlled through changes in lifestyle and taking appropriate medications. We will tell you more about all the information and treatment methods through the medical team of Al Mousa Health Hospital.
What is type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes It is a chronic disorder that occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively, or does not produce a sufficient amount of it to maintain the blood sugar level within normal levels. This type of diabetes is the most common, and represents about 90% of diabetes cases around the world.
When you eat, the body converts carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which enters the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps glucose enter the cells to be used as an energy source.
In type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin, which means that they do not respond to it well. As a result, glucose remains in the blood instead of entering the cells, which leads to high blood sugar levels. If a family member has diabetes, the possibility of infection increases.
In addition, being overweight, especially around the abdomen, increases the risk of infection, as does eating foods high in sugar and fat, and lack of physical activity. The chance of infection also increases with age, especially after the age of forty.
The most important symptoms of diabetes and risk factors associated with it
Type 2 diabetes It is a chronic condition that affects how the body responds to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Symptoms of this type develop gradually, and may be unclear at first, so it is important to monitor early symptoms, get a regular checkup, and know the most important symptoms of diabetes, which include the following:
- Frequent urination occurs due to the body's attempts to get rid of excess sugar through the kidneys, which increases the number of times you urinate, especially during the night.
- Extreme thirst. With fluid loss through frequent urination, the person feels thirsty constantly.
- Feeling exhausted and tired as a result of the cells’ inability to absorb sugar efficiently and use it as an energy source.
- Excessive hunger Due to insulin resistance, cells do not get enough energy, which leads to a constant feeling of hunger.
- High blood sugar can affect the lens of the eye, causing blurred vision.
- Slow healing of wounds and injuries, as high blood sugar leads to this and increases the risk of infection.
- Weight loss occurs because the body begins to burn fat and muscle for energy due to the inability to use sugar effectively.
- Nerve damage due to chronic high blood sugar.
- Recurrent infections such as Bladder infections, skin, and gums, because High blood sugar It weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infection.
Is type 2 diabetes chronic?
Type 2 diabetes It is a chronic condition that requires continuous management through a healthy diet, exercise, and medications when needed with appropriate treatment. People with diabetes can also live long, healthy lives and require following a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and sometimes taking medications that help regulate blood sugar levels. Some patients may need insulin injections if the disease is not controlled through lifestyle changes and oral medications.
Type 2 diabetes rate
For patients Type 2 diabetes It is important to monitor the blood glucose level regularly to maintain health and prevent complications, and the blood sugar level for diabetics should be within the following ranges:
- Before meals: 70-130 mg/dl.
- Two hours after meals: less than 180 mg/dL.
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): less than 7%2.
Maintaining these levels helps avoid complications associated with diabetes.
The difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are two different conditions diabetesEach of them has different causes, symptoms, and treatments, and the difference between them appears as follows:
Type 1 diabetes
It occurs as a result of the destruction of pancreatic cells that produce insulin by the immune system and appears in children and young adults. Symptoms appear quickly and include extreme thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. It also depends on daily insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump.
It occurs as a result of the body's resistance to insulin or not producing a sufficient amount of insulin and appears in adults, but it can appear at any age.
Symptoms appear slowly and include thirst, frequent urination, constant hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Moreover, it may include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise, in addition to oral medications or insulin injections in some cases. If you think you may have any type of diabetes, it is important to consult a doctor to obtain the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Book your consultation now at Diabetes and Endocrinology Center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
Treatments available for type 2 diabetes
مرض Type 2 diabetes It can be managed effectively with a variety of treatments, including the following:
pharmaceutical
There are several types of medications that can be used to control blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes:
- Metformin helps improve the body's response to insulin and reduce glucose production in the liver.
- Sulfonylurea: These medications help increase insulin production from the pancreas.
- Thiazolidinediones increase the body's sensitivity to insulin.
- Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) contribute to lowering blood sugar.
Insulin
In some cases, people with type 2 diabetes may need to use insulin to control blood sugar levels. Insulin can be necessary if blood sugar levels are too high to control with other medications.
Proper nutrition
Proper nutrition plays a big role in managing type 2 diabetes. It is important to follow a healthy diet that includes:
- Eat foods rich in fiber such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid foods high in sugar and saturated fats.
- Eat small, frequent meals to keep your blood sugar stable.
- Regular exercise can help improve the body's insulin sensitivity and weight control, contributing to better diabetes management.
How to diagnose diabetes
Diagnosing diabetes requires performing a group of different blood tests, and the most important main tests used to diagnose diabetes include the following:
Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
This test measures the average blood sugar level during a period ranging between the last two and three months. Fasting is not required before performing the test. A hemoglobin level of no less than 6.5% indicates infection with: diabetes.
Random blood sugar test
A blood sample is taken at a random time, regardless of the last time you ate. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates the possibility of diabetes.
Fasting blood sugar test
A blood sample is taken after a period of abstaining from eating any food the night before, which is known as (fasting). The normal blood sugar level for a fasting person is less than 100 mg/dL, while blood sugar levels that vary between 100 and 125 mg/dL may indicate prediabetes, while a level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
اختبار تحمل الجلوكوز
This test requires fasting overnight, then drinking a sugar-sweetened beverage. Blood sugar levels are measured regularly over a period of two hours after consuming the beverage. A normal blood sugar level is less than 140 mg/dL two hours after consuming the beverage.
الأسئلة الشائعة:
Can diabetes be controlled without medications?
Type 2 diabetes can be controlled without medications by following a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, exercising regularly, losing weight, monitoring blood sugar levels, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.
What are the new treatments for diabetes?
New treatments include for diabetes The use of stem cells, new drugs such as teplizumab, and the development of continuous glucose monitoring devices
How can diabetes complications be avoided?
Diabetic complications can be avoided by monitoring sugar levels regularly, following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and adhering to your doctor’s instructions.
Is there a definitive treatment for diabetes?
You cannot recover from an illness Type 2 diabetes It can be completely controlled, but it can be effectively controlled through lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and weight loss. In some cases, it can lead to normal blood sugar levels without the need for medications.
Is type 2 diabetes dangerous?
Type 2 diabetes can be dangerous if not well controlled. It can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and vision problems. It is important to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to reduce these risks.
How is diabetes determined in the treatment center?
You can know that you have type 2 diabetes through common symptoms such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, constant hunger, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and blurred vision. If you suspect your condition, it is important to consult a doctor to perform the necessary tests such as a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test and a fasting blood sugar test.
How much type 2 diabetes?
The blood sugar level for type 2 patients should be within the following ranges:
- Before meals: 70-130 mg/dl.
- Two hours after meals: less than 180 mg/dL.
- Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): less than 7%.
Maintaining these levels helps avoid complications associated with diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes A disease that can be lived with and controlled well if a healthy lifestyle is followed and prescribed medications are taken regularly. Paying attention to food, practicing physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits can contribute to improving the quality of life and reducing complications associated with the disease. Awareness and commitment are the key to maintaining blood sugar levels within normal limits, which helps avoid health risks and gives patients the ability to live energetically and stably.
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