What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the glucose, or sugar, levels in your blood. In this type of diabetes, your body doesn’t effectively use the insulin hormone it makes to control your blood sugar.
Initially, your pancreas produces extra insulin to correct the situation. However, it isn’t able to keep up with the demand and ensure your blood sugar levels remain within the normal range.
As a result of Type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar remains high. Over time this can lead to long-term health complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Kidney damage
- Vision problems
- Nerve damage
You might also find that open wounds are slow to heal, which can lead to frequent skin infections.
What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes often develop gradually. In some cases, those with the condition don’t even realize they have it until symptoms show up or a test confirms high blood sugar levels.
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Chronic fatigue
- Frequent urination
Dr. Rao can run a simple blood test to measure your blood sugar levels and see if you have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, a condition where your sugar levels are elevated but not enough to classify as Type 2 diabetes.
You should undergo routine screenings for diabetes if you have a family history of the disease, have excess belly fat, or are 45 or older. People over 45 are at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, likely because of weight gain and a lack of exercise.
What treatments are available for Type 2 diabetes?
Initially, Dr. Rao recommends lifestyle changes that can reduce your blood sugar levels and keep Type 2 diabetes under control. These lifestyle changes can include:
- Losing weight
- Being more active
- Eating a healthy diet
For many people, these improvements to daily life can keep Type 2 diabetes under control for many years, reducing or eliminating the need for medication.
In cases where lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to address your diabetes, Dr. Rao creates a treatment plan that includes medications and/or insulin.
You need to undergo regular in-office blood tests to monitor blood sugar levels. Dr. Rao will also recommend testing your blood sugar levels at home.
Learn more about the benefits of routine screenings for Type 2 diabetes by scheduling your consultation today online or by phone.
