Type 2 Diabetes — the facts and those at risk
Diabetes mellitus is a pervasive disease that affects approximately 34 million people in the United States alone. That is about 1 in every 10 individuals.
The majority of those afflicted with diabetes mellitus, about 90–95%, have type 2 Diabetes mellitus. This is the preventable form.
What causes elevated blood sugar levels?
Food fuels our bodies and provides us with energy. Our bodies break down food into several constituents, including sugar (also called glucose).
The sugar is released from the digestive system into the bloodstream. The accumulation of sugar in the bloodstream signals the pancreas to secrete insulin. Insulin is a hormone that acts as a key to open your body’s cells and let sugar in as an energy source.
In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells becomes insulin resistant. They no longer respond normally to insulin; instead they become resistant to its action and the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to overcome the resistance.
When this occurs, sugar cannot enter cells in the body. Instead, it stays in the bloodstream, thereby leading to elevated blood sugar.
What are the warning signs?
There are several signs or symptoms that may indicate someone has high blood sugar or underlying diabetes, including:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Constant hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Tingling, numbness or pain in the hands or feet
- Frequent infections
- Weight loss
- Slow healing wounds
What are the health complications of diabetes?
High blood sugar damages blood vessels, which travel all throughout our bodies, to our kidneys, our eyes, our brain.
The complications of untreated or poorly managed diabetes can be so devastating because nearly all organs or body systems can be affected.
Cardiovascular disease can arise. Arteries will layer on plaque in response to high blood sugar. The accumulation of plaque leads to atherosclerosis, and this hardening of the arteries can increase risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Additionally, poorly managed diabetes can lead to retinopathy (vision damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), neuropathy (nerve damage), gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), increased risk of infection, poor wound healing or other skin problems, erectile dysfunction, increased risk of depression and even increased risk of developing dementia.
As per the American Diabetes Association, type 2 diabetes has been recognized as a major contributor to cognitive decline and dementia in older populations.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the risk of early death is 60% higher for adults with diabetes, compared to those without the disease.
What increases your risk of type 2 diabetes?
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Consuming an unhealthy diet
- Being overweight or obese
- Being diagnosed with pre-diabetes
- Being over 45 years old
- Having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Having a history of gestational diabetes, stroke or heart attack
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Your ethnicity - African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians and Asian Americans are at higher risk
Prevention for type 2 diabetes
Unlike type 1 diabetes, most cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Improving lifestyle habits is key. Consume a well-balanced, nourishing diet. Lose excess weight, if applicable.
Incorporate regular exercise into your life. Find something that you enjoy or can see yourself fitting into your schedule regularly.
Ideally, adults should participate in at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week for substantial health benefits. Or, another recommendation would be doing 1 to 2 hours of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (i.e. hiking, running, swimming, cycling, etc) a week.
Be proactive, and aware. Research has shown that nearly 8 in 10 adults are not even aware they have prediabetes. Have blood work done regularly as recommended by your primary care physician.
For more education related to diabetes prevention or treatment and weight loss counseling, sign up for an online diet and nutrition consultation with an Alpha Dietitian.
Once you complete an online consultation, one of our registered dietitians will help you come up with a nutrition plan that suits your needs. Please note that dietitians cannot prescribe medication for weight loss.
To learn more about the conditions we treat or get started with your online consultation, check out our website and sign up today!
