Type 2 diabetes is a common condition linked to glucose. It affects more people today than ever before, so it’s important you understand how to reduce your risk.

You’ve probably heard of glucose. It’s a type of sugar you get from the food you eat, and it’s your body’s main source of energy. It’s the fuel that keeps your brain thinking, your muscles moving, and your organs working.

Your body has evolved complicated mechanisms over millions of years to process glucose. But when those mechanisms stop working properly, you can become unwell.

Let’s learn about diabetes, take a closer look at type 2 diabetes, and find out what you can start doing today to reduce your risk of developing it.

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What’s diabetes?

Before we talk about diabetes, let’s look at how your body gets glucose.

When you eat food, your digestive system processes it, extracting glucose. When that glucose enters your blood, it triggers your pancreas to release a hormone called insulin. Insulin travels around your body in blood, interacting with cells so they can take up the glucose and use it for energy.

You can think of insulin as a microscopic key for letting glucose into cells.

When that key isn’t there or stops working, the glucose in your blood can’t go anywhere. If your blood glucose levels stay too high for a long time, you can start to feel unwell. That’s diabetes.

There are 2 main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 happens when the immune system attacks the pancreas so that it can’t produce enough insulin. In some cases, the pancreas can stop producing insulin altogether.¹

Type 2 happens when the pancreas slows down insulin production or when cells in the body stop responding to it properly.²

Let’s focus on type 2 diabetes in this article.

What about type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes.³

Who’s at risk?

Everyone’s type 2 diabetes risk level is different. It’s linked to lifestyle, age, and genetic factors. Here are some of the type 2 diabetes risk factors:⁴

being overweight
being physically inactive
being 45 years or older
having a family history of type 2 diabetes
having a Black African, African Caribbean, or South Asian background.

It’s important to remember that you can develop type 2 diabetes without having any family history. And having a family history doesn’t mean you will get it.⁵ It’s all about understanding the factors that affect your own risk level.

What happens when you have type 2 diabetes?

People with type 2 diabetes can experience a range of symptoms. Here are some of the most common ones:⁶

peeing a lot, especially at night
feeling more thirsty than usual
feeling very tired
losing weight without trying
cuts or wounds taking a long time to heal
blurry vision.

Some people don’t notice their symptoms for a long time. So it’s important you understand what puts you at risk. If it isn’t treated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health problems.

You can check for type 2 diabetes symptoms Best Diabetologist near me.

How do doctors treat type 2 diabetes?

With a combination of medicine to lower blood glucose levels and healthy lifestyle changes, most people with type 2 diabetes live normal lives.

For many people, this condition can get worse with time. But new studies show that type 2 diabetes of up to 6 years’ duration could be reversible with careful weight loss and health management.⁵

How can you reduce your risk?

Understand your risk

Type 2 diabetes can take years to develop, and some people don’t notice any symptoms until it’s too late. So the more you understand about your own risks, the better equipped you are to spot anything strange and make the right lifestyle decisions.

A good start is to check your risk level using an online type 2 diabetes risk calculator. You can also ask your doctor about it.

Healthy habits go a long way

Maintaining a healthy weight and getting active can help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Plus, you’ll feel healthier and happier.

Studies show that even just 30 minutes of fast walking every day can reduce your risk.⁷ So get your walking shoes on and go exploring.

A healthy diet will also help. But don’t worry: that doesn’t mean a ban on all your favorite foods.⁸ The most important thing is moderation. That means regular, balanced meals and not overdoing it on the portions.

Try making a healthy meal plan for the week. Having a fridge full of the right food will help you avoid skipping meals and overeating. And you can still enjoy a well-earned treat.

With a few small changes, it’s easy to take good care of yourself. You can start making better health choices now .

Atkinson, M. A., Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med, (2012), doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a007641.
Galicia-Garcia, U,. Int. J. Mol. Sci., (2020), doi: 10.3390/ijms21176275.
WHO. “Diabetes.” Accessed 3 February 2021.
CDC. “Diabetes Risk Factors.” Accessed 3 February 2021.
Lean. M. EJ., The Lancet, (2018), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)33102-1.
CDC. “Diabetes Symptoms.” Accessed 3 February 2021.
Loreto C. D., Diabetes Care, (2005), doi: 10.2337/diacare.28.6.1295.
NIH. “Diabetes Diet, Eating, & Physical Activity.” Accessed 03 February 2021.

**Q: What ⁢are the risks associated with type 2 diabetes?**

* ⁤**Cardiovascular disease:** Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

* ‌**Kidney disease:** Type 2 diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading ‍to kidney failure.

*⁤ **Nerve damage:** Type 2 diabetes can damage the nerves, resulting in numbness, ⁢tingling, and ‌pain in the hands and feet.

*‌ **Eye problems:** Type 2 diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can ‌damage the blood vessels⁣ in the retina, potentially⁣ leading to vision loss.

* **Amputations:** ‍In severe cases, type 2 diabetes can lead to amputations of the toes, feet,‌ or legs.

**Q: How can I reduce ‍my risk of developing type 2 ⁣diabetes?**

* **Maintain a healthy weight:** Being overweight or⁣ obese increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Losing weight can help‍ reduce your risk.

* **Eat a healthy diet:** A healthy diet for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit‌ processed foods, sugary⁢ drinks, and saturated and trans fats.

* **Get regular physical activity:** Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity most days of the week.

* **Quit smoking:** Smoking increases ⁣the risk of type 2 diabetes. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk.

*⁤ **Manage stress:** Stress‍ can lead to unhealthy habits‍ that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, such as‍ overeating and smoking.

* ⁣**Get enough sleep:** Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain and ‌other problems that increase the risk⁤ of type 2 ⁣diabetes.

* **Control blood pressure:** High blood pressure is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Get your blood pressure checked regularly ⁢and take medication if needed.

* **Manage ‍cholesterol:** High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Get your ⁤cholesterol checked regularly and take medication if needed.

* **Get regular check-ups:** Regular ‍check-ups can help identify risk factors for type‍ 2 diabetes ⁢and ⁤ensure⁢ early diagnosis and treatment.

**Q: Are there ‍any supplements‌ I can take to reduce my risk‍ of type 2 diabetes?**

There is some evidence that certain supplements may help reduce the risk of ⁣type 2 diabetes, including:

* **Chromium:**‌ Chromium is a mineral that helps the body use insulin ⁣effectively.

* **Bitter melon:** Bitter melon is a fruit that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.

* **Gymnema sylvestre:** Gymnema sylvestre is an‍ herb that has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and ‌improve insulin sensitivity.

* **Holy basil:** Holy basil is an herb that has been shown to lower⁢ blood⁤ sugar levels and improve ⁢insulin sensitivity.

However, it’s important to⁢ note that⁢ supplements are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Before taking any supplements, you should⁣ talk ‍to your doctor.

Reducing risk: type 2 diabetes

What’s diabetes?