Is Type 2 Diabetes Preventable? Yes!

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause a range of serious health problems. However, despite the seriousness of type 2 diabetes, it is a preventable condition. With the right approach, it is possible to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and manage the condition if you do develop it.

In this blog post, we will explore in detail what type 2 diabetes is, its causes, symptoms, risks, and steps to prevent and manage it.

Types of Diabetes

There are three types of diabetes that are commonly acquired by humans. They are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the pancreas cannot produce insulin in normal way. This occurs because the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This type of diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood and is treated with insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes, as discussed above, is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin effectively. This type of diabetes is typically diagnosed in adulthood and is often linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It is caused by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. This type of diabetes typically goes away after the baby is born but women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes 2 is a metabolic disorder that affects the way the body processes sugar (glucose). The body produces insulin, a hormone that helps regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels. This can occur due to a lack of insulin production or when the body is not able to use insulin effectively.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and typically develops in adulthood. It is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. If left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can lead to a range of serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and age. Some of the most common risk factors for this include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy diet
• Family history of diabetes
• Increasing age
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Smoking

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

The type 2 diabetes symptoms can be subtle and may not be noticed at first. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or infections
• Dry or itchy skin
• Numbness in the palms or feet

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare professional for a diabetes screening.

Risks of Unmanaged Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, if left unmanaged, can lead to a range of serious health problems including:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Kidney failure
• Blindness
• Amputations
• Nerve damage
• Skin and foot problems
• Dental and gum disease

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

The good news is that diabetes 2 is preventable. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight through calorie restriction and regular physical activity

It's important to note that weight loss is one of the most effective ways to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes. By losing just 5-10% of your body weight, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing the condition. In order to achieve weight loss, it's important to focus on calorie restriction and eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and processed foods. This can help to reduce your overall calorie intake and promote weight loss.

Physical activity is also an essential part of managing type 2 diabetes, as it helps to improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.

• Quitting smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for several health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Quitting smoking can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of these conditions. Nicotine replacement therapy, medications, counselling, and support groups can all be effective in helping an individual quit smoking.

• Managing stress

Managing stress is also an important step in managing type 2 diabetes. It's also important to consult with your healthcare provider to create an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals.

• Medications to help control blood sugar levels

Certain medications like Insulin can be prescribed to help control blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. These medications work by increasing insulin production, decreasing glucose production, or increasing the insulin sensitivity of the body.

• A diabetes diet that is low in sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats 

Eating a diet that is low in sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats can help individuals with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and healthy fats are beneficial for a diabetes diet. A registered dietitian can help to plan a healthy diet that fits individual needs.

• Regular visits to a healthcare professional

Regular visits to a healthcare professional, such as an endocrinologist or primary care physician, can help individuals with diabetes manage their condition and prevent complications. They can monitor blood sugar levels, check for signs of diabetes-related complications and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

• Regular monitoring of HbA1c, cholesterol, and blood pressure

Regular monitoring of HbA1c, cholesterol, and blood pressure is important for individuals with diabetes to track their progress and identify any potential complications. HbA1c is an indicator of the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months, cholesterol and blood pressure levels can be an indication of the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Vaccinations to prevent infections such as influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia 

Individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk for infections, so it is important for them to receive vaccinations to protect against influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia. Vaccinations can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization. It's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for the appropriate vaccination schedule.

In conclusion, diabetes 2 is a preventable and manageable condition. By making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress, you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and manage the condition if you do develop it. It's important to work closely with a healthcare professional to create a treatment plan that is right for you.