What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, usually develops after the age of 35-40, accounting for more than 90% of diabetes patients. Unlike type 1 diabetes, patients with type 2 diabetes do not completely lose the ability to produce insulin. Some patients even produce too much insulin, but the effect of insulin is poor, that is, the body cells are insensitive to insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels.
What are the symptoms?
Frequent thirst and polyuria
When blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys work hard to filter and excrete the excess sugar, resulting in increased urine output, which causes frequent thirst.
Excessive hunger and weight change
Despite consuming large amounts of food, the body is unable to efficiently use glucose for energy, leading to increased hunger. At the same time, weight may be lost or gained without you noticing.
Fatigue and weakness
The cells lack sufficient energy supply, making people feel extremely tired and weak, affecting their daily life and work efficiency.
Blurred vision
High blood sugar may affect the lens of the eye, causing temporary blurred vision.
Slow wound healing
Because blood circulation and the immune system are affected, the healing of wounds and ulcers is significantly slowed down.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Genetic factors:
People with a family history of diabetes have a relatively higher risk of developing the disease.
An unhealthy lifestyle, including
a high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar diet, lack of exercise, long-term sitting, excessive stress and lack of sleep, are all important factors inducing type 2 diabetes.
Obesity
especially abdominal obesity, can lead to increased insulin resistance and thus cause diabetes.
Age
As you age, your body becomes less sensitive to insulin.
Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
Doctors usually diagnose type 2 diabetes by measuring fasting blood sugar, postprandial blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, etc. If you have the above symptoms, or have a family history of diabetes, obesity and other high-risk factors, you should seek medical attention in time.
Management methods
Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is key to managing type 2 diabetes. Increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats and fish, and reduce your intake of processed foods, high-sugar drinks and high-fat foods.
Moderate exercise:
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, etc., combined with strength training, can help improve insulin sensitivity and control weight.
Medication
Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may prescribe oral glucose-lowering medication or insulin injections to help control blood sugar.
Regular monitoring:
Regularly measure blood sugar, including fasting blood sugar and postprandial blood sugar, as well as glycosylated hemoglobin, so as to adjust the treatment plan in time.
Psychological adjustment:
Maintain a good attitude, actively respond to the disease, and avoid blood sugar fluctuations caused by stress and anxiety.