Q. My husband has just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Can you write an article about it?
A. It will be my pleasure. Both of you are very special to me.
Type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus type 2 is a metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, relative insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia. Or in plain English ó it is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, the main type of sugar in your blood. Glucose comes from the foods we eat and is the major source of energy needed to fuel the body’s functions.
After you eat a meal, the body breaks down the foods you ate into glucose and other nutrients, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract. After a meal, your glucose levels will rise and triggers the pancreas to make the hormone insulin and release it into the blood stream to lower it back down. People with diabetes can’t make or respond to insulin properly. Without the insulin, glucose can’t get into the cells, so it stays in the bloodstream. The result is a higher blood sugar level which can cause a number of symptoms and health problems. Some complications of type 2 diabetes include: heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.
Now your husband has been diagnosed, but the following can be signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
n Increased thirst and frequent urination. Your kidneys’ response to high blood sugar is to flush it out through urination.
n Extreme hunger. Without the insulin to move the glucose into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted of energy, which triggers intense hunger, which may persist after you have eaten.)n Weight loss. Even with an increased appetite, constant hunger, you may lose weight. Without the proper absorption into the cells your muscles and fat stores may simply shrink.
n Fatigue. Deprived of sugar, you may become tired and irritable.
n Blurred vision. If your blood sugar is too high, fluid may be pulled from surrounding tissues ó including the lenses of your eyes.
n Slow healing sores and/or frequent infections. Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and fight infections.
What can you do?
n Eat a healthy diet to help achieve a normal body weight. Doctors may recommend a low-salt or lowfat diet.n Participate in physical activity regularly. Exercise helps increase the body’s response to insulin, and it helps the body to burn more calories, which can promote the loss of excess body fat.
n Get to and maintain a normal body weight.
n Monitor your blood sugar levels often.
n Take insulin or other medications your doctor prescribes to help your body respond to insulin more effectively.
n Work closely with your doctor and diabetes health care team.
Good luck! And to all a happy New Year!Contact Ester Hoeben at 704-636-0111 or ehoeben@rowanymca.com.