Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the body has difficulty regulating sugar and using it as fuel. This chronic condition results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes is largely a diet-related condition that develops over time. Although Type 2 diabetes is often less severe than Type 1, it can still have serious health implications, especially for the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Blurry vision
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tingling and numbness of feet and hands
- Slow-healing wounds
Who Should be Tested for Type 2 Diabetes?
Anyone who has symptoms of diabetes should be tested for the disease. Diabetes may not present symptoms for some people, but they still need to be tested if they have risk factors. Health care professionals can identify diabetes sooner and manage it and prevent complications by testing their patients.
Why Should You Get Tested for Type 2 Diabetes?
Testing also allows health care professionals to find prediabetes. If you have obesity, making lifestyle changes to lose weight may help you delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. Though type 2 diabetes most often develops in adults, children also can develop type 2 diabetes. Children with obesity or two other risk factors for diabetes between the ages of 10 and 18 are recommended to be tested.
Diagnostic Tests for Type 2 Diabetes
- A fasting plasma glucose test. A blood glucose test is performed after you have not eaten for at least eight hours. This test is used to detect diabetes or prediabetes.
- An oral glucose tolerance test. It measures your blood sugar after you have gone at least eight hours without eating and two hours after you drink a glucose-containing beverage.
- Random plasma glucose test. Along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes, but not prediabetes.
- A hemoglobin A1c test. It is used to diagnose or confirm either prediabetes or diabetes.
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
Managing type 2 diabetes includes healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, and dietary changes. Blood sugar monitoring can also help in dealing with type 2 diabetes. Weight loss results in better control of blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Your health care provider or dietitian can help you set appropriate weight-loss goals and encourage lifestyle changes to help you achieve them.
The HCG Diet
The preventive measure of having diabetes is a regular check-up and medication. You can also couple it with a balanced diet and exercise. If you are obese, you can consider the HCG diet as your weight loss aid. The HCG diet protocol has an effective plan that curbs weight-related diseases. It has visible results throughout the weight-loss period.