In the US, the population is exposed to highly processed food, poor lifestyle and a stressful environment. This is one of the reasons why the US is battling a high prevalence of obesity. But with obesity, another chronic disease continues to affect the US population – type 2 diabetes. More than 40 million people in the US suffer from diabetes and about 90-95% have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. According to the CDC, 2 out of 5 US adults already have prediabetes and do not know it.
However, while the numbers are concerning, the good news is that type 2 diabetes is manageable. All you need is a qualified medical consultant who will guide you through diet, exercise and other medications to help manage your diabetes.
But first, let’s understand what is type 2 diabetes and the signs of it.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes happens when the cells of your body do not use insulin well. When cells do not respond to insulin properly, it is known as insulin resistance.
The result: there will be extra glucose that remains in the bloodstream. Your blood sugar rises.
Eventually, this extra glucose can affect the kidneys, nerves and even the eyes.
Type 2 diabetes is different from type 1 diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas provides little or no insulin.
What that means is that people with type 1 diabetes will require insulin therapy every day. However, in type 2, it is the body cells that do not respond to insulin well. This is manageable as this is more of a metabolic condition and can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication and exercise.
Common Signs Patients Should Not Ignore
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes build slowly and they start to show up after the age of 40. At first, there may not be any warning signs but eventually, the symptoms show up which can be:
- You might feel thirsty often and go for frequent urination
- Fatigue or low energy
- If the glucose affects your eyes, there can be blurred vision
- If you have a wound or a sore, it doesn’t heal fast
- You might feel hands or feet going numb or tingling
- Darkened skin in body folds such as the neck or underarms
Even one or two of these symptoms can mean that it might be time to go for a consultation with a professional. It is also important that you opt for a clinic that has a holistic approach to treating type 2 diabetes, considering how it can be managed with lifestyle changes.
Why Does It Happen?
There is usually not one single cause behind type 2 diabetes. Generally, metabolic and lifestyle factors pile up over time and contribute to type 2 diabetes:
- Insulin resistance: This is when the cells do not respond to insulin properly
- Obesity: Excess weight can affect the rate of metabolism
- Low physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can result in the body not being able to process glucose properly
- Family history: Diabetes has been linked to genetics
On top of this, many people might be prediabetic and already have higher blood sugar levels at a certain age. This is why diagnosis as early as possible matters.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
When high blood sugar goes unchecked, damage can build quietly. The symptoms only come up late and that shows that the blood sugar levels are already out of balance. Even if symptoms are mild, it is best to catch the problem sooner. Your professional has more time to manage your blood sugar levels and weight and help you get back to a normal quality of life.
What Should You Do Next?
If you are facing such symptoms, it’s time to give a visit to a clinic and do a test. If you are in Mesa, Natural Holistic Medical Center can provide you with that support through its primary tests and diagnosis. After the diagnosis, a licensed professional can walk you through the best treatment plan that can help lower your blood sugar levels and also help manage it in the long run. Even for obesity, Natural Holistic Medical Center can also help with peptide therapy for a paired goal of sugar control and weight management.
For some patients, the care plan may include support such as:
- Blood sugar and metabolic screening
- Nutrition and lifestyle review
- Weight loss support when excess weight is part of the picture
- Peptide-based support when medically appropriate
A type 2 diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it is also manageable when it is addressed early and guided properly. Consult professionals who can provide you personalized service that can actually make a difference.