Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. This type mainly develops in adults over the age of 45, but increasingly is being found in children, teens, and young adults (CDC, 2021). The pancreas produces insulin to help blood sugar enter cells inside your body to use as energy. Type 2 diabetes is when your cells do not respond normally to insulin, often called insulin resistance (CDC, 2021). Your pancreas will continue to produce insulin, but eventually it will not be able to keep up, causing your blood sugar to rise and often leading to type 2 diabetes.  

Individuals can be living with type 2 diabetes for years before developing symptoms. Often people never experience symptoms with this type of diabetes. Some people may experience thirst, excessive hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, weight loss, numbness, and frequent urination (ADA). It is important to check with your provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or believe you may have type 2 diabetes to get a blood test. Those with a family history of type 2 diabetes or more likely to develop this condition. 

While managing type 2 diabetes can be challenging, it is possible to do it with the right support. Talk with your provider to find what is best for you. Staying physically active, eating healthy, and regularly checking your blood pressure and cholesterol are all things to help you stay on track. Your provider may prescribe insulin or other medication to help manage your blood sugar and avoid complications (CDC, 2021). Managing your stress can also help deal with your diabetes. Be sure to regularly make appointments with not only your primary care doctor, but your eye doctor, foot doctor, dentist, and eye doctor (CDC, 2021). You can begin to learn about the warning signs of low and high blood sugar and what needs to be done in each situation to keep you healthy. 

Serious complications such as a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state can occur if you are not managing your diabetes. This life-threatening situation only occurs in individuals with type 2 diabetes and is brought on by dehydration and very high blood sugar (Diabetes UK, n.d.). If you lack insulin and have high blood sugar, this can lead to a build of ketones called diabetic ketoacidosis (Diabetes UK, n.d.). Other possible complications are heart attack, stroke, vision loss, kidney problems, nerve damage, and gum disease. 

If you or a loved one are dealing with diabetes or have similar symptoms, call a NEW Health provider today to update your treatment plan, get testing, and find out what is best for you. Call (509) 935-6004 today to schedule an appointment. 

Sources 

ADA. (n.d.). Type 2 Diabetes – Symptoms. American Diabetes Association. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://diabetes.org/diabetes/type-2/symptoms 

CDC. (2021, December 16). Type 2 Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html 

Diabetes UK. (n.d.). Complications of Diabetes. Diabetes UK. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications