What you need to know about Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a common disease that is being talked about by many people in our society today, and some are a little afraid of it. You must have heard this being talked about a lot at home, among relatives, and with friends. So today, let's talk about the most common type of diabetes, 'Type 2 Diabetes'. If this is managed properly, it is not something to be afraid of, remember that first.

Simply put, what is type 2 diabetes?

Okay, let's understand this very simply. The food we eat adds sugar (which we call ``Glucose'') to our blood. This sugar is what gives our body energy. But we need someone to send this sugar into our body's cells. That job is done by a hormone called ``Insulin'', which is made by an organ called our pancreas. Think of insulin as a key that opens the doors of our cells.

One of two problems occurs in type 2 diabetes.

1. Insulin Resistance: Sometimes our body's cells don't respond properly to that key (insulin). It's like the keyhole in a door has rusted. Then, even though insulin is present, the doors to the cells don't open.

2. Insulin deficiency: Over time, our pancreas works hard to make insulin to overcome this resistance. But after a while, it becomes too tired and cannot produce enough insulin.

For these two reasons, the sugar in the blood cannot enter the cells and accumulates in the blood. That is why we call high blood sugar levels `(Hyperglycemia) .` The blood sugar level of a healthy person is usually between 70-99 mg/dL. However, in a person with diabetes, this value can be 126 mg/dL or even higher.

What are the symptoms of this disease? See if you have these too

One of the unique things about type 2 diabetes is that its symptoms often appear very slowly. So some people may not even know they have diabetes for years. But you should be aware of the following symptoms.

For women, frequent vaginal yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also be a symptom of diabetes. If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor immediately for advice.

Why do we get type 2 diabetes? What are the risk factors?

There is no single cause for diabetes. It is a combination of many factors.

The main reason is the ``Insulin Resistance'' we talked about earlier. The main factors that affect it are these:

• Genetics: If your mother, father, or siblings have diabetes, you are at higher risk of developing it. For example, if one of your parents has diabetes, you have a 40% chance of developing it. If both parents have it, that number increases to 70%. But that doesn't mean you will definitely develop it. It just means you need to be a little more careful.
• Overweight and obesity: Visceral fat, especially fat that accumulates in the abdominal area and around internal organs, is a major cause of insulin resistance.
• Lack of exercise: Insulin resistance also increases when physical activity decreases.
• Unhealthy diet: Regularly eating foods that are highly processed, high in carbohydrates, and high in saturated fats is also a risk.
• Age: The risk increases after the age of 45.
• Other medical conditions: People with conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are also at increased risk.

What complications can occur if diabetes is not controlled?

This is where we all need to focus the most. Even if we know we have diabetes, if it is not properly controlled, over time it can damage our body's most important organs.

In addition, a dangerous condition that can occur suddenly is called `(Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State - HHS). In this, the blood sugar level is very high for several days, the body is completely dehydrated, and consciousness is impaired. This is a very dangerous and life-threatening emergency. If such symptoms occur, you should immediately be taken to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

How does the doctor accurately diagnose this disease?

If you suspect you have diabetes, your doctor will do a few simple blood tests to confirm it.

• Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: This is done in the morning after you have not eaten or drunk anything for about 8 hours. If your blood sugar level is 126 mg/dL or higher, it may be diabetes.
• Random Plasma Glucose Test: This can be done at any time of the day. If your sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher, it is also a sign of diabetes.
• A1C Test: This measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. If this value is 6.5% or higher, it confirms diabetes.

These tests are the only way to tell for sure whether you actually have diabetes or not.

How to manage diabetes?

Okay, now we come to the most important part. Diabetes is a condition that, although it cannot be cured, can be very well controlled and can be managed to lead a healthy life without any complications . It is like a team sport. You, your doctor, a nutritionist, and your family need to work together to do this.

There are three main things:

1. Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise)

2. Medicines (medicines)

3. Monitoring sugar levels at home

1. Lifestyle changes

This is the foundation of treatment. It is difficult to control this with medication alone.

• Diet: Don't be afraid to say "diet," this doesn't mean just eating bland, bland food. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist to create a balanced diet that's right for you. In general, it's best to include non-starchy vegetables, high-fiber foods, lean proteins (fish, chicken), and good fats (avocado, nuts) in your diet.
• Exercise: Even a simple exercise like brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, can do wonders for controlling your blood sugar levels. When we exercise, our cells become more sensitive to insulin.

2. Medicines (medicines)

Some people find it difficult to control their blood sugar levels even after making lifestyle changes. That's when the doctor prescribes medication.

• Oral Medications: Commonly prescribed medications, such as Metformin, work to reduce insulin resistance in the body and control sugar production by the liver.
• Insulin injections: Some people's insulin production decreases significantly over time. Then they have to take insulin externally in the form of injections. Starting insulin does not mean that your condition is serious. It is a very effective way to control sugar.

3. Monitoring sugar levels at home

It is very important to test your blood sugar levels at home using a glucometer, as your doctor recommends. This will help you understand how the foods you eat, the exercise you do, and the medications you take affect your blood sugar levels.

Can diabetes be completely cured?

This is a question that many people ask. The short answer is "no." Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition. That means it's something that stays with us throughout our lives.

So the best thing to do is to learn to live with it, rather than trying to cure it.