Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar, also known as glucose. The most common type of diabetes is type 2, where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to insulin. Insulin is essential as it helps blood sugar enter the cells to provide energy. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include fatigue, excessive thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, blurry vision, and unintended weight loss.
Sometimes, diabetes may not show any symptoms, making it a silent disease. If left unmanaged, it can cause significant damage to your body. Since elevated glucose levels may not always be noticeable, it’s crucial to get tested annually, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or are overweight.
Various methods can screen for type 2 diabetes, such as fasting glucose tests, two-hour glucose tolerance tests, or A1C tests. While a fasting glucose test only indicates your level at a specific time of day, the A1C test offers a more comprehensive overview of your overall glucose control. Consult your doctor to determine which test is suitable for you.
Once diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, immediate treatment is essential. If left untreated, high glucose levels can lead to kidney disease, eye damage, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage in various parts of the body, including the feet, hands, stomach, bowel/bladder, and sexual organs.
Maintaining good health involves adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity. In many cases, medication may be necessary too. Some individuals worry about having to take diabetes medication for life, but lifestyle changes can often reduce or eliminate the need for such medication.
According to the CDC, approximately 20 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes, while more than 96 million adults, over one-third of the population, have prediabetes, with most being unaware of it. Prediabetes indicates higher than normal blood sugar levels, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to prevent diabetes. Regular physical activity, regardless of form, helps lower glucose levels, even if it doesn’t lead to weight loss. Choosing natural, whole foods like vegetables, nuts, beans, fruits, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats can make a significant difference. It’s crucial to avoid overeating and view food as a means of nourishing the body, not merely as a hobby or coping mechanism.
While processed foods are readily available, it’s essential to commit to healthier eating habits and be mindful of our choices. Perfection isn’t necessary, but striving to improve each day is vital.
The best advice for preventing or managing diabetes is to get regular check-ups, seek appropriate treatment, and embrace healthy behaviors. Angela Kammeyer, a registered dietitian nutritionist and certified diabetes educator, offers nutrition and diabetes education at Bothwell Regional Health Center to help patients improve their health. She has been with the center for 24 years.