Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and typically impacts adults,
often in middle age. However, more and more children are diagnosed with this disease. If symptoms are mild, it can go undiagnosed for many years.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not produce enough insulin, and/or the cells
in the body begin to ignore the insulin that is being produced, which causes
increased blood sugar levels.
While it's been shown that there is a genetic link to developing type 2 diabetes,
in many people, this condition may develop due to other risk factors. Being overweight and
lacking physical activity in your lifestyle are two of the biggest risk factors
when it comes to developing type 2 diabetes.
Other type 2 diabetes risk factors:
- Age of over 45 years old — risk increases with age
- Being overweight
- Race or ethnic background — risk is greater in African-American, Latino/Hispanic,
Native American, Asian American and Pacific Islander populations
- Family history of the disease
In managing type 2 diabetes, a healthcare provider may provide you with recommended blood sugar goals and may also recommend more exercise
and physical activity to help a patient lose extra weight. He or she will also
ask for a change in diet to reduce carbs and eliminate junk food. Depending on how
high your blood sugar level is, your healthcare provider may also prescribe a medication
or insulin to help you further regulate your levels.
No matter what else you do to control your diabetes, it's important to maintain
regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to make sure your treatment
plan is working for you.
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