Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
The most prevalent kind of diabetes is known as type 2 diabetes. This condition is brought on by elevated blood sugar. Our body’s primary energy source is blood glucose, which is mostly derived from the food we eat. The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which facilitates the uptake of glucose by our cells. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body either produces insufficient insulin or uses it poorly. Hence, excess glucose enters our cells, and remains in higher quantity in blood. The good news is that type 2 diabetes is preventable or can be delayed with the right actions.
How does type 2 diabetes affect our bodies?
The metabolism of sugar (glucose) is affected by type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, it might result in elevated blood sugar levels since it prevents the body from using insulin as intended. Nerves and blood vessels in particular may sustain significant harm from type 2 diabetes over time.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild. It can take a few years for them to become apparent. Therefore, often diagnosis is delayed years after the disease first manifests and complications have already developed.
Type 2 diabetes affects more than 95% of diabetics. Previous terms for type 2 diabetes used are adult-onset and non-insulin dependent. This kind of diabetes was previously only found in adults, but it has now become more common in kids as well.
Is it possible to avoid type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is often preventable. By adopting healthy habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve your overall health and well-being. Here are a few successful preventative techniques:
- Higher weight count increases the risk of type 2 diabetes significantly. Even a modest weight loss can help lower your risk.
- Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet that is high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Reduce the number of processed meals, sugary beverages, and items high in trans and saturated fats in your diet.
- Regular physical activity aims for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking. Include strength-training activities as well, ideally twice a week.
- If you have prediabetes (higher than normal blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes), monitoring your blood sugar levels and making lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes risk might be raised by excessive alcohol consumption. Limit alcoholic drinks to moderate amounts.
- Smoking is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and other health problems. Quitting smoking can significantly improve your overall health.
For checkups and screenings, schedule frequent visits with your healthcare professional. Early detection and management of risk factors can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. It is notable that chronic stress can also contribute to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as overeating or a lack of physical activity, which can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation.
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