The past couple of weeks, Marvel Eye Center has highlighted ways different aspects about diabetes and the role that eye specialists play. Eye doctors can actually detect diabetes immediately with a routine eye exam. We covered Type 1 Diabetes last week. Continuing from the previous weeks, we’d like to continue our diabetes discussions in-depth. Again, while diabetes can be a life-altering complication, with the right treatment and process, it can be managed and those diagnosed can still live a full, productive and healthy life.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting well over 90% of all diabetics. It commonly affects those who are chronically overweight and/or do not get enough physical exercise, although genetic factors can also determine when or if someone gets this condition. While it is not known for sure what causes a person to contract this condition, doctors note that a healthy diet, combined with regular exercise, can reduce the likelihood of a person contracting Type 2 Diabetes .
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when a person’s body either stops producing insulin or becomes resistant to insulin. Symptoms of this condition include increased desire to urinate, increased thirst and/or hunger, weight loss, fatigue, frequent infections and/or blurred vision. These symptoms come on slowly; in fact, it is not uncommon for a person to have Type 2 Diabetes for months or even years before receiving a proper diagnosis.
Living with Type 2 Diabetes
A person who has been diagnosed as having Type 2 Diabetes will need to make lifestyle changes in order to ensure that this condition does not worsen. This is very important, as Type 2 Diabetes can cause heart problems, kidney damage, foot damage, eye problems, hearing problems and skin conditions.
Diabetics will need to keep to a strict diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. Meat, dairy products, eggs and foods with a high sugar content and little nutritional value should be avoided.
It is also important for a person with Type 2 Diabetes to get at least thirty minutes of exercise every single day. Stretching and strength training exercises are particularly recommended; however, it is best for a diabetic to do various types of exercise rather than only one single form of exercise day after day.
Medical Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
A person with Type 2 Diabetes will also need regular medical help. Regular eye checkups can ensure that diabetes does not cause serious eye problems that can lead to permanent vision loss. A diabetic will also need regular ear checkups, especially if he or she has already experienced some form of hearing loss.
A doctor will also provide a diabetic with insulin and/or diabetes medication. The exact medicines prescribed for this condition will depend on a patient’s age, state of health and other factors. It is very important that the medicines be used in accordance with a doctor’s instructions, as taking too many or too few medications can result in serious problems.
A person with Type 2 Diabetes will also need to monitor his or her health and be aware of common symptoms that indicate one’s blood sugar is either too high or too low. Sweating, shaking, dizziness, extreme hunger and confusion are all signs that one’s blood sugar levels are abnormal. Thankfully, these symptoms usually go away once a diabetic has had a sweet snack or drink such as soda, hard candy or fruit juice. By taking just a few precautions and getting regular medical help, a person with this condition can lead a happy, productive life.
If you’d like more information on Type 2 Diabetes and how it can be diagnosed, maintained and treated, contact the Marvel Eye Clinic today!
