These Are the Stages of Type 2 Diabetes and How They Progress
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects about one in every ten Americans. The body won’t be able to make insulin naturally anymore, and blood sugar levels won’t be kept in balance. A better understanding of diabetes can help you take control and manage it.
Insulin Resistance
Stage 1 is often the starting point of type 2 diabetes. The body starts resisting insulin, which leads to your pancreas compensating by producing more. Right now, there aren’t any symptoms, but with lifestyle changes or medication, your blood sugar levels can return to normal.
Prediabetes Begins
After insulin resistance begins, if nothing changes in the lifestyle, then blood sugar levels start to skyrocket. If unchecked, this becomes prediabetes, which can develop into type 2 diabetes, which is incurable. Right now, there’s still a chance of returning blood sugar levels to normal.
Becoming A Diabetic
If your blood sugar stays high and doesn’t return to normal, you’ll eventually become insulin-resistant and have type 2 diabetes. If you are worried about your blood sugar levels or anything else to do with your health, visit a physician immediately.
A High Blood Sugar
A high blood sugar level over a long period of time has implications for major organs, such as your heart and kidney. These organs can be damaged. This is why making sure your blood sugar levels are normal is extremely important, even if you don’t have diabetes.
A Healthy Diet
To help manage type 2 diabetes, a good diet is essential. Try incorporating lean proteins and vegetables with less starch in them. Every diabetic should have a health care professional that they can consult for advice and guidance.
Exercise
Exercising often can help stimulate your body into absorbing more insulin. Just half and hour of medium intensity exercise 4-5 days a week can have a huge effect on your body. Activities like cycling, swimming, and walking are all great cardio workouts.
Medication
Those who are affected by type 2 diabetes often need medication to live a normal life. Try to consult your healthcare professional about how extreme your diabetes is and what personalized dosages you may need to be the healthiest you can be.
Checking Blood Sugar
A glucose meter is an invaluable tool for a diabete that will ensure that they can check their blood sugar at any given time to see if its in a good range. Make sure to learn what your normal blood sugar levels should be from your physician.
Living The Best Life You Can
Although type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming to live with, through a good diet, exercise, and the right medication, you can live a healthy life as a type 2 diabetic. Another important factor is staying positive and having a supportive social group around you to foster understanding and care.