Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of Diabetes, and 30.3 million Americans are currently diagnosed. Another 84.1 million Americans have Pre-Diabetes. Basically, Diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t use insulin properly, and there are higher levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood. This extra sugar damages blood vessels – especially the small ones – like in your brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, and extremities. Of course, it’s really important that your brain, eyes, heart, kidneys and extremities receive good blood flow, and when this is decreased, it can lead to organ failure. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness, and the leading cause of kidney failure. It also increases your risk for heart attack.
So this is why everyone makes such a big deal about Diabetes. It can be asymptomatic, so most people feel fine – especially at the beginning of the disease, but it is doing significant damage despite having no symptoms.
What can you do to prevent Diabetes? First and most important is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A nutritious, balanced diet that is low in sugars and processed carbohydrates can greatly reduce your risk for diabetes. Regular exercise is also key; find activities you love, and do them as often as you can – ideally getting your heart rate up and keeping that way for 20-30 minutes every day. Secondly, make sure you get screened for Diabetes. Catching it early is key to slowing the disease process – and sometimes even reversing it!
What if you already have Type 2 Diabetes? All of the above is still true – diet and exercise are the foundation of treating Type 2 Diabetes. Regular visits with your Primary Care Provider or Endocrinologist to make sure that you are on the best treatment plan to manage your blood sugars are also important.
We at Karas Health Care screen and treat for Diabetes every day! Schedule an appointment if you’d like to discuss it with us!
