Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

Every ailment arrives with some prior signs and symptoms, and so does diabetes. These symptoms might seem mild and can also be ignored, but if it keeps happening, make sure to get a test done. The following are the signs of diabetes:-

1. Increased thirst

2. Fatigue

3. Frequent urination

4. Blurred vision

5. Increased hunger

6. Slow healing sores

7. Unintended weight loss

8. Frequent infections

9. Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands

The symptoms might vary from person to person; what matters is consistency. If you notice any consistent symptoms, consult a doctor and get your glucose test done. 

Causes of type 2 diabetes

There are two major factors responsible for causing diabetes-

1. Lifestyle disorder, and

2. Genetics

Apart from these two, several other factors are responsible for the cause. Let's dig into it. 

1. Age

2. Obesity

3. Broken beta cells

4. Metabolic syndrome

5. Poor communication between cells

6. Too much glucose secretion from the liver

7. Prediabetes

8. Lack of physical exercise

9. Blood lipid levels

10. Polycystic ovary syndrome

11. Uneven fat distribution or too much belly fat

It is important to be mindful of your daily habits and how your body reacts to them. Building up a healthy routine and following it consistently not only keeps you fit but also develops you as a person. 

Health complications of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can lead to severe health complications if not managed and controlled. It can affect major body organs, including the nervous system, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels, and heart. Hence, it is essential to keep an overall check on your entire health and take proper care. 

The following are some of the major health complications caused by type 2 diabetes: -

1. Eye damage

2. Blood vessels and heart

3. Kidney disorder

4. Skin conditions

5. Hearing impairment

6. Dementia

7. Slow healing of wounds

8. Sleep apnea

Diabetes is one such condition that cannot be solely managed by proper intake of medications. You need to focus on other lifestyle factors to control the condition well.

Treatments for Type 2 diabetes

Although diabetes is non-curable, certain treatments available can help control and manage the condition. The following points basically include lifestyle changes and medication, which stand to be the basic treatment for the condition. Here are some of the treatments for managing type 2 diabetes: -

1. Understand the signs

It is very crucial to be well aware of the changes that your body is going through. If you are consistently experiencing any bodily changes, it is better to get yourself checked. To add on, never neglect a pattern that your body shows. Be mindful and take a step as early as you can. 

2. Consult a doctor

Do not self-experiment with any treatment process. When it comes to seeking a piece of medical advice, we all consider ourselves a doctor, but it is advisable to consult a medical professional and follow the prescribed treatment plan. 

3. Medications

As mentioned above, type 2 diabetes is a non-insulin-dependent form of diabetes. It requires diet, regular exercise, and some anti-diabetic drugs to keep the blood glucose level within the range. Jardiance generic and Janumet are some of the well-known diabetic medicines which have shown incredible results. 

4. Healthy eating

Diabetes medications can never show results single-handedly. It is a combined effort of diet and medicines. You need to keep an eye on what you eat throughout the day. Avoid sugary items and follow a low-carb diet for better results. 

5. Maintain a healthy body weight

Maintaining the right body weight not only keeps you in shape but also keeps your blood sugar level in check. Being overweight and malnutrition can both lead to severe health issues. Hence, focus on what you eat and how much you eat.

6. Regular workout

A regular workout is a must to maintain the blood glucose level. It makes your body active and more sensitive to insulin, which helps control diabetes.

7. Cut down on alcohol

Alcohol consumption does not cause diabetes, but excessive consumption can definitely trigger glucose levels. Hence, it is important to be mindful enough about quantity intake.

8. Stress Management

Stress hormones play an immense role in raising blood sugar levels. Prolonged emotional trauma and stress cause hormone imbalance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. So, if you are a diabetic, start managing stress. It is absolutely not possible to not take stress, as it comes very naturally to all of us. But, what's important is how well we manage it. Figure out your own stress busters, which might be spending time with your loved ones, a long walk/ride/drive, playful time with your pet, etc.

9. A healthy sleep cycle

We often tend to ignore the benefits of a healthy sleep cycle in our day-to-day life. A good sleeping pattern helps provide relaxation and thus calms down the hormones. It is the base of what we call a "healthy lifestyle."

Take away

Diabetes is a chronic disorder that is non-curable. It might be detected as early as the birth time or as late as the 60s or 70s. However, if you are a diabetic, there is nothing to feel off about the condition, as it has now become the most common lifestyle disorder one can have. Apart from that, you can always keep it within the range by following the dietary pattern, doing a regular workout, and taking proper medications. And all the non-diabetic people in the house should consider themselves lucky enough not to have the condition. Try to maintain a lifestyle that never gives you a condition like diabetes and keep up with it for a quality life.