Understanding the Seriousness of Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder that affects a staggering 463 million adults globally, a number projected to soar to 700 million by 2045. Affecting 90% of these individuals, type 2 diabetes is on an alarming rise. But what exactly is this condition, and why are its rates skyrocketing? More importantly, what can you do to prevent and manage it? Let’s delve into these critical questions.
Decoding Type 2 Diabetes: The Basics Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels, stemming from insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, facilitates glucose movement from blood into cells. When this process falters, blood sugar levels surge, leading to potential health complications.
Diagnosis: Identifying the Signs Type 2 diabetes diagnosis hinges on blood sugar level tests. Symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision develop slowly but intensify over time. Alarmingly, type 2 diabetes, once a condition of later life, now affects younger populations, including children, primarily due to rising obesity rates. In fact, 80-90% of those with type 2 diabetes are overweight.
The Risks: Understanding the Complications Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to severe complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, vision impairment, nerve damage, and foot ulcers, possibly resulting in amputation. Controlling blood sugar is vital in reducing these risks.
Your Action Plan Post-Diagnosis Upon diagnosis, consult a Registered Nutritionist. Diet and exercise modifications are crucial in managing type 2 diabetes. The goal is to regulate blood sugar levels, easing symptoms and lowering complication risks.
Dietary Adjustments: Your Key to Control Carbohydrates significantly impact blood sugar levels. Reducing carbohydrate intake and opting for slow-release carbs like whole grains helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Other dietary with considerations include less salt, saturated fat, and limited alcohol. These changes not only control blood sugar but also aid in weight loss, a critical aspect of diabetes management.
The Role of Weight Loss Shedding weight can dramatically improve blood sugar levels and reduce complication risks. Even a 5% weight reduction can make a difference, while a 15% loss may lead to diabetes remission. Dietary changes, guided by a nutrition expert, and increased physical activity are effective strategies.
Physical Activity: A Pillar of Diabetes Management A regimen of at least 150 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise weekly, coupled with strength training, can aid weight loss, reduce insulin resistance, and help in blood sugar control.
Summing Up Type 2 diabetes, marked by high blood sugar due to insulin issues, can lead to severe health risks but is manageable. Weight management, dietary changes, and physical activity are crucial, and guidance from a Registered Nutritionist can be invaluable in managing or even preventing diabetes.
How Claire Russell Therapy Can Help At Claire Russell Therapy, we combine Nutrition with various therapeutic modalities, including counselling, mind coaching, emotional health and others additionally to help you achieve steady blood sugar control, effective weight management, and more. With a proven track record in reversing Diabetes swiftly, contact us on 087 616 6638 or email clairerusselltherapy@gmail.com now to start your journey towards better health, vitality and wellness today.
