Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body fails to produce or properly use insulin. It is the most common form of the disease and can usually be prevented with healthy eating and an active lifestyle. While there is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, the condition is highly manageable.
Risk Factors
While not all risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes are known, it’s important to be aware that the following factors increase the possibility of developing diabetes.
- Family history
- Being overweight
- Tendency to store fat around the abdomen
- Inactive lifestyle
- Race (African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians & Asian Americans or Pacific Islander)
- Increasing age
- Gestational diabetes
- Pre-diabetes
Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, sometimes with no warning signs. Symptoms range depending on blood sugar elevation. Inform your doctor if you experience:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Darkened skin in areas
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections
- Ketones in urine (byproduct from lack of insulin)
Effects of Type 2 Diabetes
The early stages of Type 2 diabetes are easy to ignore, however the long-term complications that develop can be harmful and even life-threatening. Some of the potential complications are:
- Eye damage
- Foot damage
- Skin & mouth damage
- Nerve damage
- Kidney damage
- Heart & blood vessel disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Osteoporosis
- Hearing Problems
Diagnostic Tests
Our diagnostic tests follow the screening guidelines recommended by the American Diabetes Association for Type 2 diabetes.
- Glycated hemoglobin test (A1C)
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- Random blood sugar test
- Fasting blood sugar test
Treatment
Our highly trained staff uses state-of-the-art diabetes information and resources to develop an individualized treatment plan. With proper care people with Type 2 diabetes can lead healthy, productive and enjoyable lives.
- Medications
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Healthy eating
- Regular physical activity
- Insulin therapy
- Bariatric surgery
