Is your body trying to tell you something? Recognizing the signs of Type 2 Diabetes, its causes and precaution

Diabetes often casually referred to as Sugar, is considered as a silent epidemic steadily rising all around the nation. Data sources derived from institutions, such as the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) provide an overview of the rapidly increasing burden of diabetes ratio in India. This is considered to be one of the highest with over 70 million people being affected in India under the 9th edition of IDF. Diabetes is a medical condition in which blood sugar levels become irregular. Irregularity in blood sugar levels is the primary factor of Diabetes. If one fails to manage diabetes it may further cause severe medical complications and conditions, like, kidney failure, vision loss, and heart disease. Diabetes is of two types: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes, between which Type 1 Diabetes is largely inherited, while Type 2 Diabetes is heavily influenced by an imbalanced lifestyle, obesity, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet and genetics. In diabetes, a patient’s body does not produce enough insulin in type 1 condition or the cells become resistant in type 2, which also leads to high blood sugar levels. Type 2 Diabetes often develops gradually, and its symptoms may take years to become noticeable.

Although, an actual defence against type 2 diabetes starts with awareness, and action after recognizing symptoms. The good news is that by recognizing its symptoms early and adopting preventive measures, it is possible to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. Frequently taken health check-ups are not only about the numbers but can help delay or even prevent the beginning of the disease. With this article let us delve deeper into the root causes of type 2 diabetes, its red flags, and basic steps to set a precaution.

Leading causes of Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes can develop not only due to genetic factors but also because of lifestyle-related reasons. The causes of Type 2 diabetes are as follows:

•        Insulin Resistance – Type 2 diabetes occur due to insulin resistance in the body. During this condition, the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to an elevation in blood sugar levels.

•        Obesity – The second major cause of Type 2 diabetes is obesity. Excess body weight, especially fat accumulated around the abdomen, significantly increases the risk of insulin resistance.

•        Lack of Physical Activity – Physical activeness plays a vital role for a healthy life and to dodge such medical conditions. Without regular exercises, cells can become less efficient at using insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels keep rising.

•        Hereditary – If someone in the family has Type 2 diabetes, the chances of other family members developing it also increase.

•        Unhealthy Diet – Overindulgence in sugary snacks, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates contributes to weight gain and leads to high blood sugar levels.

Type 2 Diabetes: Signs and Symptoms to watch for:

The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes often develop in a slow process over the years. Most individuals remain uninformed of the disease for a longer period and only come in contact with realization under worse conditions. Some primary indicators that may signal the presence of Type 2 diabetes are mentioned below:

•        Polydipsia- This leads an individual to feel unquenchable thirst and often causes drinking excessive water.

•        Frequent urination – The person experiences the urge to urinate frequently.

•        Constant hunger – Where individuals find themselves hungrier than usual and pose frequent cravings to eat something.

•        Weight loss – The person starts losing weight unexpectedly.

•        Blurred vision – Vision becomes blurry, and the person has difficulty seeing clearly.

•        Slow healing of wounds – Wounds take longer to heal, and the body becomes more prone to infections.

•        Darkening of the skin – The skin starts to darken, especially around the neck and underarms. This condition is known as Acanthosis Nigricans.

·      Fatigue and irritability – The person feels fatigued even without heavy physical activity and may become irritable.

Ways to dodge type 2 diabetes:

Compared to Type 1 diabetes, the reassuring aspect of Type 2 diabetes is that it can be prevented or managed by making healthy lifestyle changes. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes:

•        Maintain a Healthy Weight – Keeping weight under control can help prevent Type 2 diabetes. If a person is overweight, reducing their weight by 7% to 10% can effectively slow down the progression of the disease.

•        Adopt a Balanced Diet – Managing diet properly can also reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and unprocessed foods is beneficial. Additionally, avoiding sugary and refined carbohydrate-rich beverages, as well as trans-fat, helps lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

•        Stay Physically Active – Being physically active can prevent Type 2 diabetes. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week, such as brisk walking or cycling, can be beneficial. Physical activity improves insulin resistance and helps in weight management.

•        Regular Health Check-ups – Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can help detect prediabetes early.

In conclusion

From a holistic medical perspective, we have understood that type 2 diabetes is not just a condition, it is more of a wake-up call to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A reminder that our daily choices hold an immense power for the betterment of our future. Small but consistent changes, from our eating habits to physical activeness, mental health, prioritizing sleep, and managing stress. All along plays a significant role in our initial status of health. These steps and processes are excellent as precautions, but what about those individuals with evident symptoms of type 2 diabetes? Well, it is highly recommended for an immediate diabetes blood test against clear indications of diabetes. Untreated type 2 diabetes can lead to severe heart disease and multiple other serious medical conditions. It is also advised to look for a medical consultation before diagnosis.

Quick answers to your concerns:

1.    What is diabetes mellitus?

  Ans. Diabetes mellitus is a long-term condition that affects how the body processes sugar. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or when the body can’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels over time.

2.    Is banana good for diabetes?

 Ans. Certainly, consuming banana can be taken as a diabetes-friendly diet. But in moderation and specific timing in one’s daily routine.

3.    Which fruits can increase diabetes level?

 Ans. Few fruits can easily elevate diabetes level due to its higher glycemic index. Fruits like pineapples, watermelon, ripe banana and dried fruits.

4.    Does glucose testing have any side-effects?

 Ans. A glucose test typically involves a blood test that is conventionally safe with no significant side effects.

5.    Is beetroot good for diabetes?

 Ans. Yes, beetroot is considered to be beneficial for diabetes when consumed in moderation.