HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!
Here we go…There is a TON of info about diabetes type 2…so here is some general info (and then we’ll get to the drugs!)
What is diabetes all about?
Super simplified – diabetes is a disorder involving insulin that leads to high levels of sugar in the blood (blood glucose).
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that works as a key -it opens the door so that glucose can move from the blood into the cell (where it belongs and is used for energy).
So, we eat >food is broken down into glucose > glucose moves into the cells > cells use energy to live!
Why is it a bad thing for glucose to stay in the blood?
First off, because we need the glucose (energy) to get into our cells so our bodies can function!
Secondly, when too much glucose stays in the blood for long periods, it can cause some major problems, like: disease of the kidney, heart, blood vessels, eyes and nerves -which means it can lead to blindness, heart attack, stroke, numbness and infections -serious stuff!
What is the difference between diabetes type 1 and type 2?
Diabetes type 1is typically diagnosed in kids and young adults. Only about 10% of people with diabetes have type 1. In type 1, the body does not produce insulin. People with type 1 are treated with injectable insulin.
Diabetes type 2 is the most common form. The body either does not make enough insulin or the cells ignore it. People with diabetes type 2 can be treated with lifestyle changes, insulin and oral medicines.
What are some symptoms of high blood glucose?
The sneaky part of diabetes is quite often there are no symptoms! That is why it is good to have your fasting glucose levels at your annual doctor’s appointment.
Some people do have symptoms -they include lotsa thirst, intense need to pee and blurred vision.
Who can develop diabetes?
Everyone and anyone! But there are some that are at more risk than others…higher risk groups include:
1. People of Hispanic, African and Asian decent
2. People who are obese
3. People who have high cholesterol or high blood pressure
4. People with a first-degree relative (mom, dad, sister, brother, son, daughter) that has diabetes type 2
How do I know, for sure, if I have diabetes?
Blood test…yes, needles are involved! Just so you know, these tests need to be done two seperate times to be considered a diagnosis. Here are some specific numbers…
1. Fasting blood glucose levels -this means no eating or drinking (besides water) for 8 to 12 hours (book that appointment early so you can eat! 🙂 )
- Prediabetes: 100-125mg/dL (or 5.6 to 6.9mmol/L for the Europeans 🙂 )
- Diabetes: >126mg/dL (7.00mmol/L)
2. Random glucose level -this may be self explanatory but it means a level taken regardless of when you last ate…
- This one can not be used to diagnose prediabetes
- Diabetes >200mg/dL (11.1mmol/L) plus symptoms like increased peeing and/or thirst
3. Oral glucose tolerance testing…this one is kinda gross! You first fast for 8 hours then you drink a solution with 75 grams of glucose in it (imagine ridiculously sweet soda). Levels are taken before drinking then 2 hours after (so you usually have to hang around -boring!)
- Prediabetes: 140-190mg/dL (7.8-10.5mmol/L)
- Diabetes: >200mg/dL (11.1mmol/L)
4. Then there is A1c -this measurement is not typically used to diagnose diabetes but some docs use it. This is a blood test that shows the average blood glucose levels over the last 2-3 months. It is quite often used to monitor and manage diabetes (once diagnosed).
- So, this is not officially used as a way to diagnose diabetes but people without diabetes have an A1c <6
- Once diagnosed with diabetes type 2, the goal is an A1c <7
Okay, I feel good about having covered the basics- if you disagree or have some questions…please/por favor leave a comment!
We will be going to How do I treat diabetes? next! For now, we do have an article about How vinegar can help regulate blood glucose levels.
An additional article is What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?
This is a big topic! So please, please, please leave a comment or shoot us an email with questions and/or comments!