Diabetes is a condition in which your body is unable to regulate its sugar levels, that then chronically run high. Blood sugar levels that are high cause irreparable damage to the body and vital organs.
Insulin is the hormone produced by pancreas that helps in the conversion and uptake of glucose from the blood. It may happen that your body’s immune system destroys the responsible cells, resulting in type I diabetes. Its onset is earlier in life.
Type II diabetes occurs when the body is unable to make insulin, or there is insulin resistance. It is also known as adult-onset diabetes. Both conditions need proper care and management by the best Internal medicine specialist in Lahore.
It is also imperative for everyone, but especially those with or at-risk of developing diabetes, to know more about this chronic condition.
FAQs about type II diabetes
What is the difference between type I and type II diabetes?
Type I diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes. It is an autoimmune condition, unlike type II diabetes, which can be prevented. The cause for the latter lies more in genetics, eating habits and lifestyle practices.
Also check: Canavan disease
Is diabetes a dangerous condition?
Some people think diabetes is not concerning, and they can continue with their life as is. But diabetes, when uncontrolled, can lead to a lot of damage around the body; it is amongst the leading causes of death. Alongside increasing risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, it can also make such conditions more complicated as well.
Diabetics are at greater risk for:
- Digestive issues
- Diabetic ulcers
- Depression
- Heart issues
- Kidney problems
- Injuries
- Oral health problems
- Neuropathy
- Sexual dysfunction
- Skin problems
- Vision issues
Hence, for the sake of one’s well being, managing diabetes is important. Otherwise, quality of life is severely compromised.
How can diabetes be managed?
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you must work on controlling your blood sugar levels. Otherwise, if it runs too high or too low, your health will be jeopardized. Some helpful things to do include:
Eat well: Avoid refined carbohydrates and all foods high in calories. Focus on consumption of high nutrition foods, fiber, proteins, and natural foods.
Exercise: Being physically active is imperative. Do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise like walk every day.
Chart the figures: Regularly measure your BSL so that you know how to moderate your diet. It is also helpful for your doctor.
Weight management: If you are obese, losing extra pounds is crucial.
What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?
There are several risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including:
Age: People who are older, particularly after their 40s, are more at risk for developing the condition.
Obesity: A big risk factor of the condition is obesity. People who are obese are more likely to run into hormonal issues. Moreover, the chronically high demand for insulin also paves way for insulin resistance, and hence diabetes.
Inactivity: Being active is of utmost importance, and lack thereof can lead to many problems, including heightened risk of diabetes. As exercise increases insulin sensitivity, therefore, it allows for more effective uptake of glucose. It also helps in mitigating insulin resistance as well.
Genetics: Your family history of diabetes can increase your risk for developing the condition.
Prediabetes: A condition in which your blood sugar levels run higher than normal, but not sufficiently high to qualify as diabetes, is known as prediabetes. People with the condition are considered to be on the borderline, and without care, they might go on to develop the condition.
Gestational diabetes: Women who have high sugar levels, in a condition known as gestational diabetes, have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
What are the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Salient signs of type 2 diabetes to watch out for include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vision issues
- Increased hunger
- Tingling sensation in the extremities
- Fatigue
- Cuts and wounds that heal rather slowly
If you observe these symptoms, you should visit an Internal Medicine Specialist in Karachi. They will take your history and run blood tests. If the associated tests show all the readings for diabetes, the doctor will then start a management program that includes medication, lifestyle and dietary changes, and continual management.
