November 14 is World Diabetes Day, a time to raise awareness about the chronic disease impacting over 38 million people in the United States. At Care Medical Group, we believe in the importance of educating individuals so they can make the most informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that arises when the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and turns food into energy. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational.
- Type 1 Diabetes: This type of diabetes often develops in children, teens, and young adults. Much remains unknown about type 1 diabetes, but it is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Those who have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk at developing it themselves. There is currently no way to prevent it, but it can be treated to minimize or delay complications.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The CDC estimates that of the 38 million Americans with diabetes, about 90% to 95% have type 2 diabetes. It usually develops over time and is most commonly diagnosed in adults over 45. Unlike type 1 diabetes, it is often preventable.
- Gestational Diabetes: This form of diabetes develops in pregnant women due to hormonal changes. Symptoms are usually mild and will typically go away once the baby is born. However, it may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life and may lead to health complications for the baby. While not entirely preventable, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk.
In the rest of this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the risk factors, symptoms, and management of type 2 diabetes.
Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes
Recognizing the risk factors of type 2 diabetes can empower you to take preventative actions and protect yourself against the complications. Risk factors include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle with limited physical activity
- Having high blood pressure
- Being over 45 years old
- Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- Having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Belonging to certain ethnic groups
While some factors such as age, genetics, and ethnicity are beyond your control, educating yourself about these risk factors allow you to make informed choices to manage your health and reduce your chances of developing diabetes by taking preventative measures.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
Luckily, type 2 diabetes is often preventable by prioritizing a healthy lifestyle. Some ways to reduce the risk include:
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a balanced diet
- Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking if you are a current smoker
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes symptoms tend to appear gradually, often making it challenging to detect in the early stages. Common symptoms include:
- Increased urination, especially at night
- Persistent thirst
- Blurred vision
- Unintended weight loss
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet due to nerve damage
If you are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider and ask about being tested.
Testing for Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed with a blood test to measure your blood sugar level. Common tests include:
- AIC test: measures you blood sugar over 2-3 months
- Fasting blood sugar test: measures blood sugar after fasting overnight
- Glucose tolerance test: measures blood sugar before and after drinking a liquid that contains glucose
- Random blood sugar test: measures blood sugar at the time tested
Being diagnosed early is key to managing type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of complications.
Complications of Type 2 Diabetes
If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications that impact various parts of the body. Complications include:
- Vision loss and blindness
- Cardiovascular issues, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
- Kidney disease or failure
- Nerve damage, potentially leading to lower-limb amputation
Taking a proactive approach to managing type 2 diabetes not only reduces the likelihood of these serious health issues but also contributes to a longer, healthier life.
Treatment and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
While there is no cure for diabetes, there are effective treatments available to help control blood sugar levels and prevent or delay complications. It’s important to meet with your doctor regularly, typically every 3 to 6 months, to monitor your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
In the early stages of type 2 diabetes, the condition can often be managed through lifestyle changes. These adjustments include adopting a healthier, balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight.
As type 2 diabetes progresses, lifestyle changes alone may no longer be enough. In more advanced cases, healthcare providers may prescribe oral medications or insulin therapy to better regulate and maintain blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Management in Bellingham, WA
Managing diabetes may be challenging, but with awareness, preventive measures, and a supportive healthcare team, it’s possible to live a healthier and fuller life. At Care Medical Group, our team of dedicated providers is committed to supporting those living with diabetes. For personalized diabetes care, give us a call at (360) 734-4300 to schedule an appointment with one of our primary care providers.
Our clinic is located at 4043 Northwest Avenue, just off the WTA Green Line, and we are open Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00.