In type 2 diabetes, your insulin production is not sufficient to meet the body's needs. This results in elevated blood sugar levels which in the long term can be harmful to your health. To normalize the blood sugar level and reduce the risk of complications and other diseases, you need to make changes in your lifestyle, adjust your diet and be physically active. Different types of drugs are also often required to treat type 2 diabetes. By taking responsibility for your health and working together with the healthcare team, you can effectively manage the disease and improve your quality of life.
Diabetes type 2 is today a widespread disease that affects many people. It is most common among adults and the risk of contracting it increases with age. In the past, it was often called age-related diabetes. Although most people are diagnosed after the age of 40, younger adults, teenagers and children can also be affected. Type 2 diabetes is often related to overweight or obesity, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Heredity also plays an important role as a risk factor
Untreated or poorly treated diabetes type 2 often results in impaired blood circulation, narrowing of the blood vessels and damage to the vessels. This in turn can lead to kidney damage, cardiovascular disease and vision problems.
Common symptoms of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes include:
- Fatigue and feeling of powerlessness, both on the mental and physical plane.
- Increased thirst.
- Increased urination and frequent need to urinate.
- Visual changes, usually in the form of blurred vision.
- Numbness in hands and feet.
- Cramps in the calves
- Fungal infections in the vagina
There are different ways to normalize the blood sugar level. In some cases, it may be enough to change the diet and be more physically active if you have a normal weight. Sometimes the body can cope with a lower insulin production and physical activity reduces the risk of insulin resistance. But for most people with type 2 diabetes, in addition to lifestyle changes, drug therapy is also required to maintain a healthy blood sugar level
