Type 2 Diabetes: Risks, Symptoms, and Control
Last week we discussed Type I Diabetes, its cause, and how you can learn to live with the disease. This week, we’ll discuss Type 2 Diabetes, its symptoms, cause and how you control it.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Over 90% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes has Type 2 diabetes. A diabetic cannot produce the insulin needed to break down the glucose needed for their cells. When this happens, the cells are starved for energy and over time, the high glucose builds up on the blood and can cause blindness, kidney failure, and damage to to the heart and nerves. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is preventable.
How do you reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes?
The biggest way to prevent getting this disease is to manage your weight. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can manage health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, high blood glucose and type 2 diabetes. Eating healthy and exercising are ways to manage your weight and your risk of contracting type 2 diabetes as well as these other diseases.
What are Common Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Slow to heal cuts or bruises
- Tingling, pain or numbness in hands or feet
What should you eat?
This is a list of “Top 10 Super Foods” that will help you manage your meal planning. Diabetic or not, these will help anyone managing their diet.
- Beans
- Dark green leafy vegetables
- Citrus fruit
- Berries
- Sweet potatoes
- Fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Whole grains
- Tomatoes
- Nuts
- Fat-free milk, and yogurt
Be sure to work with your doctor to check your blood glucose level and prevent and/or manage your type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating and exercise may not be enough — your doctor may also prescribe pills and/or insulin to help manage your levels. Don’t risk your sight or other health issues… type 2 diabetes is manageable if you’re willing to eat right, exercise and follow your doctors orders.
To learn more about diabetes, visit https://www.diabetes.org.
