Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes You Need to Be Careful About!

Diabetes is a condition that affects your pancreas. This is when it is unable to produce sufficient insulin or when your body is unable to utilize the insulin produced. Insulin is an important hormone and it helps in regulating your blood sugar levels. Unchecked blood sugar levels can cause diabetes. This can cause hyperglycemia, which may damage your blood vessels and nerves. Statistics revealed that diabetes was one of the main causes of approximately 1.5 million deaths in 2019 [1].

There are 3 main types of diabetes, and these are gestational diabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes. This is the most common type and it affects a large number of people. You can prevent it by leading an active and healthy lifestyle. While type 2 diabetes occurs due to ineffective use of insulin, a type 1 diabetes issue occurs because of insufficient insulin production. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, and this is when your blood glucose levels increase beyond normal values but may be below the diabetes value range.

To learn more about type 2 diabetes and why World Diabetes Day is celebrated, read on.

What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Type 2 Diabetes?

There are various type 2 diabetes symptoms that you should be aware of. Here is a list of these signs to keep in mind.

• Vision gets blurred
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Urge to urinate frequently
• Takes time for Infections and sores to heal
• Tingling sensation experienced in feet or hands
• Increased thirst
• Increased hunger pangs
• Skin of neck and armpits becomes dark

You can develop type 2 diabetes due to two main causes.

1. When your body cells become resistant to insulin, it causes type 2 diabetes. Your fat and liver cells are unable to interact with insulin in a regular way. Any insulin produced is not being used effectively.
2. The pancreas is unable to produce insulin due to which your blood glucose levels are not regulated naturally.

What Is the Risk Factor Type 2 Diabetes Brings with It?

There are many factors that you face if you have or develop type 2 diabetes. One of these is excessive weight gain and being overweight is a common problem. Other risk factors are:

• A family history of diabetics
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle
• Low levels of good cholesterol
• An abnormal increase of fat cells in your abdomen
• PCOS symptoms
• Diabetes during pregnancy or gestational diabetes

How Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented and Managed?

Your Type 2 diabetes treatment can be done in many ways. Depending on the severity, doctors may prescribe the following methods:

• Consuming a wholesome nutritious diet
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining your BMI levels
• Cutting down processed foods
• Exercising regularly

A healthy lifestyle helps you keep your blood sugar levels in control. Consumption of oral medications has also proven effective. There is no type 2 diabetes cure but proper management through options like insulin injections can work. The common types of medications prescribed for type 2 diabetes are sulfonylureas and metformin [2].

What Are the Various Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?

Improper management of diabetes can affect your vital organs. It can lead to complications such as:

• Skin infections
• Damage to the eyes
• Damage to the nerves
• Kidney disease
• Heart ailments
• Blood vessel disease
• Sleep apnea
• Nerves in the limbs getting damaged

How Is World Diabetes Day Observed?

This day is celebrated every year on November 14 to create awareness of this condition as it affects a large number of people globally. This year’s theme was Access to Diabetes Care. There are millions of people around the globe who do not have access to proper medical care. If you are diabetic, the condition has to be managed properly to avoid health complications.

Through the use of the latest technologies, medical support and medicines to the infected, diabetes can be managed. This day also shines a light on the need for investments in diabetic care and prevention.

Reports reveal that diabetes is increasing steadily in India. Around 8.7% of diabetic individuals are found in the age groups between 20 and 70 years [3]. Unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyle choices, use of tobacco products are some of the factors contributing to this rising prevalence of diabetes. Your best option at avoiding this disease is to avoid such unhealthy habits and monitor your blood glucose levels regularly.

You should also lead an active lifestyle to keep the risk factors in check. In case you develop the condition or are at risk, connect with endocrinologists on Bajaj Finserv Health. Get your queries addressed, avail treatment for your symptoms, and focus on getting healthier. Book an in-person or online doctor consultation online and access healthcare digitally with ease & you can also avail of diabetes health insurance from Bajaj Finserv Health along with additional benefits.