Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that develops when the body’s cells cannot use the insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin is an important hormone that helps the body convert glucose into energy.
With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas can no longer keep up with the amount of glucose in the blood and too much glucose builds up in the blood. High blood sugar levels can harm the body.
If the blood glucose level in your body remains too high, the blood vessels in the heart can narrow and form fatty plaques. This can disrupt the flow of blood and lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious medical conditions. Additionally, excess glucose in the blood can damage nerves.
Out of the 35 million Americans who have diabetes, 90% of them have type 2 diabetes.
If type 2 diabetes is not managed at the onset, it can lead to very serious health conditions.
Type 2 diabetes is usually developed over time. Lifestyle is a huge factor in the onset of the disease. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is acquired as the individual gets older.
Nonetheless, genetics is also a factor in the onset of type 2 diabetes but lifestyle and diet can make it worse.
Knowing the various treatments for type 2 diabetes can help with the management of the disease.
Type 2 diabetes is also commonly treated with drugs like metformin. It basically works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and enhancing insulin sensitivity so that insulin is used more efficiently by the body.
Below are type 2 diabetes treatments, remedies, and care worth knowing.
18. Avoid Certain Foods
People with type 2 diabetes should avoid certain foods, which contain high amounts of sugar. Examples of these foods are refined grains, sugar-laden drinks, processed foods, and baked goods. These foods can negatively affect the production of insulin and lead to dangerous levels of hyperglycemia.
They also tend to be high in calories and contribute to obesity. To minimize intake, it is important to use healthy substitutions such as fiber-rich vegetables, fish, and water.
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