If you’ve just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, here’s what you need to know to get started:
Type 2 diabetes (also known as diabetes mellitus type 2) is a chronic condition in which the level of sugar in your blood is too high – This is why if you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes you have to control your diet and make some lifestyle changes.
In essence, it's a problem with the hormones your body produces. Your body needs insulin (a hormone) to break down sugar, but is either not producing enough of it, or your cells aren’t responding well to it.
And it’s really common – over 14% of Indians have type 2 diabetes.
If you’ve just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, here’s what you need to know to get started:
The cause of type 2 diabetes is rooted in your body’s ability to create and use insulin.
Insulin is produced in your pancreas. It’s made by special beta cells which secrete it when high levels of sugar (glucose) are detected in the blood, and its job is to break down this glucose to give you energy.
With type 2 diabetes, your body becomes insulin resistant – Your body's cells stop responding to insulin as they're supposed to and can’t absorb glucose.
As time goes on, your body may stop producing insulin altogether. This happens when the beta cells in your pancreas stop reacting to glucose.
Scientists still aren't 100% sure what causes the cells in our bodies to become insulin resistant. However, there are a lot of known factors which may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
Remember though, these are just the high-risk factors. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of type 2 diabetes, you should get yourself tested for it – even if none of these factors apply to you.
There are a few different types of diabetes, though the most common are type 1 and 2 diabetes. What is the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes?
In a nutshell, it all comes down to the pancreas, and your ability to produce insulin.
If you’re a type 1 diabetic, your pancreas has either stopped producing insulin or is producing just a small amount. This is because the beta cells which make your insulin have been damaged – they’ve been attacked by your own body, making type 1 diabetes an auto-immune disease.
If you’re a type 2 diabetic however, your pancreas is still producing insulin as usual, but your cells simply aren’t responding to it the way they should. This is known as "insulin resistance". It’s typically caused by the levels of glucose in your blood remaining high for a long period of time, leading your cells to lose sensitivity to insulin.
The cause of type 1 diabetes isn’t 100% understood.
Type 2 diabetes on the other hand is usually acquired based on a person’s lifestyle and environment, and often runs in families.
Now that you understand what type 2 diabetes is, and what causes it, it’s time to think about how to live with it:
There are a lot of things to consider and get to grips with, but the main thing to remember is that type 2 diabetes is not a death sentence. It will likely have an impact on how you live, but you can still have a happy and healthy lifestyle.
And it starts with getting informed, staying active, and keeping a positive mindset.
Type 2 diabetes is typically caused by a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors. Family history, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet are all risk factors that increase the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is when the body becomes resistant to insulin or can't produce enough insulin. When this happens, glucose can build up in the blood and lead to high blood sugar levels, which can cause health issues.
Type 2 diabetes can be genetic, yes. If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, you're at greater risk of developing the condition. However, it's just a risk, not a guarantee. Other factors, such as your lifestyle, can also play a significant role in whether or not you'll develop the disease. This is why even if you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You may be able to avoid it.
Insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes is caused by a mix of genetic and lifestyle factors. If you have insulin resistance, it means your body's cells don't respond well to insulin, and the glucose in your blood may not be broken down effectively. Being overweight, leading an inactive lifestyle, or having a diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats can increase insulin resistance. Certain medical conditions and medications can also contribute to insulin resistance. There are ways to increase insulin sensitivity, including getting regular exercise, sleeping well, following a healthy diet, and taking medication.
Stress can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, yes. When you're stressed, your body produces hormones that can affect your blood sugar level. If you're stressed over a long period, your cell's sensitivity to insulin can be affected, increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes. It's important to manage your stress through healthy habits like mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation techniques.
It's common for people to have both fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. However, fatty liver disease does not directly cause type 2 diabetes. The reason people often have both is the conditions have similar risk factors. For example, obesity, insulin resistance, and a sedentary lifestyle put you at risk of both fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. But if you manage these risk factors (through healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight), you can decrease your risk of both conditions.
Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Obesity can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes because when you're overweight or obese your body's cells can become resistant to insulin. If your cells are resistant to insulin, your blood sugar level may increase, leading to type 2 diabetes.
Yes, it's possible to get type 2 diabetes without being overweight. Being overweight or obese is just one of the factors that can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include family history, age, level of exercise, and high blood pressure. This is why it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle regardless of your weight, to lower your risk of developing diabetes.
If a father has type 2 diabetes, it doesn't mean the baby will definitely get it. It just means the baby has an increased risk of developing the condition. This is because a family history of type 2 diabetes is only one of the risk factors for the disease. Other factors, such as the baby's lifestyle and genetics from their mother, also play a role. This is why it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and get regular check-ups to monitor blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes in children is caused by a mix of genetics and lifestyle factors. Having a family history of diabetes, being overweight or obese, and not getting enough physical activity can all increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Poor diet, stress, and certain medical conditions can also contribute.
Eating a balanced diet (that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can help increase your chance of avoiding type 2 diabetes. Avoiding foods high in sugar, fat, and salt can also help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. And you should exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle as well, as this will further reduce your risk.
It's not accurate to say that one type of diabetes is worse than the other, as both type 1 and 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications. These can include nerve damage, stroke, kidney disease and heart disease.
If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications and can be fatal. However, as long as you take the necessary steps to treat, manage and monitor your diabetes, you can reduce the risk of serious health issues and live a long and healthy life.
