What is type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder that is known for disrupting the way your body uses glucose (sugar). It also interferes with your body’s ability to store sugars and process other forms of energy, including fat.

This is a chronic medical condition that requires regular monitoring and treatment throughout your life in order to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This involves lifestyle changes (including your diet and exercise habits), self-care measures, and medications. Thes e interventions Fortunately, these treatments can keep your blood sugar levels under control and minimize your risk of developing complications.

Who is at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) inactivity, metabolic syndrome, , pre-diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and a positive family history. 

How do I know if I have type 2 diabetes?

Most patients with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all. In those who do have symptoms, the most common include increased urination, increased appetite, and increased thirst. Laboratory tests (blood tests) are available to diagnose diabetes. This can be done in many ways. 

1. Hemoglobin A1c > 6.5%
2. Random glucose >200 mg/dL and symptoms of hyperglycemia
3. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBG) ≥ 126 mg/dL

Who do we screen for type 2 diabetes?

The United States Preventative task force recommends that we screen all adults with BMI ≥ 25. We screen every 3 years if labs are within normal limits, and increase screen annually if a patient has abnormal values or if within the prediabetes threshold

What can I do to prevent type 2 diabetes?

Lifestyle changes can slow or stop the progression of diabetes. Eat healthy food. Moderate intensity aerobic exercise for 150 minutes a week can lower diabetes risk. A weight loss of 5-10% can reduce the risk of diabetes. Avoiding inactivity for long periods of time and try to get up and move around every 30 minutes. Limit your  exposure to saturated fats, trans fat, fried food, processed foods, fructose, and red meat consumption. Increase your consumption of fish, fiber, and soy. Increase your consumptions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, nuts and natural oils. 

Can type 2 diabetes be treated with medications?

Various medications are available to treat type 2 diabetes. Depending on the severity of your diabetes, you may be offered oral medications or injectable medications. We may need to add a second medication to your regimen after 3 months of therapy. Medications should also be offered to manage cardiovascular risk to decrease LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.  Be sure to discuss appropriate vaccinations recommended for diabetics 

How will I know the treatment is working?

Patient will frequently have their HBA1c monitored every 3 months to evaluate disease progression.

What type of complications can I experience from untreated type 2 diabetes?

If left untreated, diabetes can progress to affect multiple areas within the human body. These may include your heart, eyes, blood vessels, kidneys, nerves, and feet.