Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the body is unable to properly use and store glucose (a type of sugar) in the body. The body either resists the effects of insulin, a hormone that regulates the movement of glucose into cells, or doesn’t produce enough insulin.
The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts and wounds, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
Type 2 diabetes is typically caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or obese, having a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and family history of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, losing weight, and managing stress. Medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT-2 inhibitors can be used to help the body use insulin more effectively and lower blood sugar levels.
It’s important to manage type 2 diabetes to prevent serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and blindness. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking medications as prescribed can help keep the condition under control.
The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes is through maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
