Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body fails to effectively use and store glucose. Instead of converting glucose to energy, it accumulates in the bloodstream. Today this is also found in younger people. So if you have a lot of questions regarding type 2 diabetes, we can help you answer most of them.
What causes type 2 diabetes?
There are several factors that cause type 2 diabetes, these are: being overweight, being physically unfit or your body fails to use the insulin effectively. People with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are also at a risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Symptoms experienced during type 2 diabetes are: feeling thirsty, blurry vision, frequent urination, irritability, numbness or tingling sensation in hands or feet, frequent skin, bladder or gum infection, wounds that take a long time to heal and feeling fatigue to a great extent.
Who gets type 2 diabetes?
The major risk factors for type 2 diabetes are obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and physical inactivity. The risk also increases with age. People who are above 40 years and have overweight are likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Women who develop diabetes while they are pregnant are more likely to get type 2 diabetes later in life.
Will I need to take insulin if I have type 2 diabetes?
More than 30% of people need to take insulin. But there are many drugs in the market, which helps to prevent or delay the use of insulin.
If I have type 2 diabetes, are my children at risk?
Type 2 diabetes is a genetic disease. Yes, your children are at risk of having type 2 diabetes. The risk is highest when there are many family members having it. If there are twins and one has type 2 diabetes then there are 75% chance the other will also develop it.
Will exercise help my diabetes?
Exercise plays a key role in managing type 2 diabetes.
Can type 2 be prevented?
There are several research that shows there are ways of preventing type 2 diabetes and at least delaying its process. Making lifestyle changes, becoming more fit and ensuring your weight stays in the target range are important factors involved in preventing it.
Type 2 diabetes can cause long term damage in which parts of the body?
Type 2 diabetes can cause long term damage to nerves, blood vessels, kidney and eyes.
Can type 2 diabetes turn into type 1, if I take insulin?
No, it cannot turn into type 1 diabetes because your diabetes does not depend on the therapy but it is caused genetically.
If I have type 2 diabetes and I stop eating cookies and candies, then can I stop taking diabetes medications?
If you stop eating concentrated sources of carbohydrates you can reduce as well as eliminate the need for medications. If you improve your diet, it is beneficial, but you will also need to increase your physical activity, make efforts towards weight loss and keep your sugar levels in the target range. You should consult your doctor for the change in your medications when you change your diet.
