by What is it?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), which is the body’s main source of fuel. With type insulin resistant diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. If left untreated, insulin resistant diabetes can cause serious health complications.
Symptoms of Insulin Resistant Diabetes
Some common symptoms of insulin resistant diabetes include:
– Increased thirst and hunger: When your blood sugar levels are high, your body tries to dilute the extra sugar by Type 2 Diabetes more urine. This means your body loses fluids and you feel thirsty more often. Your body also needs more food to try and manage the high blood sugar levels, so you may feel hungrier.
– Frequent urination: The kidneys work overtime to remove the excess glucose from your blood through urine. This increased urination is also a result of the body trying to dilute the high levels of glucose in the blood.
– Fatigue: When your body isn’t able to use sugar for energy properly, you may feel tired or lacking in energy more frequently. High blood sugar levels can also disrupt normal sleep patterns.
– blurred vision: Over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems.
– Slow-healing sores or frequent infections: High blood sugar interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds. Cuts and scratches that would normally heal quickly may take much longer.
– Tingling or numbness in hands/feet: Nerve damage from long-term high blood sugar levels (neuropathy) can cause numbness, tingling or pain in the hands, arms, feet and legs.
– Unexplained weight loss: When the body can’t properly use sugar for energy, it may start breaking down muscle and fat stores, causing weight loss despite a good appetite or no change in diet.
Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes
Your doctor will do various tests to check your blood sugar levels and determine if they are high enough for a insulin resistant diabetes diagnosis. Some common diagnostic tests include:
– A1C test: This blood test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests confirms a diagnosis of diabetes.
– Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test: This test checks your blood sugar after 8 hours of fasting. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates insulin resistant diabetes.
– Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): For this test, you fast overnight and then your blood sugar is checked before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary liquid. Levels of 200 mg/dL or higher after 2 hours mean you have diabetes.
– Random plasma glucose test: For this test, your blood sugar is checked at any time of day without regard to when you last ate. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes, and follow up testing is needed.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Once diagnosed, the main treatment goals are to control your blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes and medications if needed. Proper management is important to prevent serious health complications.
Eating a Balanced Diet
Following a healthy eating plan is a key part of managing diabetes. It’s important to:
– Control your portions and lose extra weight if needed. Even a small amount of weight loss can help control blood sugar.
– Choose high-fiber, low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables and fruits. They digest more slowly, controlling blood sugar rises.
– Limit sugary foods and drinks as well as simple carbs like white bread and pasta that break down quickly into sugar.
– Eat consistent, balanced meals and snacks at regular times throughout the day to stabilise blood sugar levels.
– Monitor your carb intake and match it to your medication, exercise and insulin needs. A registered dietitian can help create a personalised meal plan.
Getting Regular Exercise
Physical activity makes your cells more sensitive to insulin, helping glucose get into your cells for energy. It also reduces stress and helps manage weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days. Spread it throughout the week if you can’t do it daily. Even 10 minute intervals can help lower blood sugar. Walking is a great option.
Checking Blood Sugar Levels
Checking your blood sugar levels regularly, especially after meals, allows you to understand how different foods and activities affect you. It helps adjust treatment as needed. Working with your doctor, set blood sugar targets and monitor to stay within range as much as possible.
Taking Medication as Prescribed
If diet and exercise changes alone aren’t enough to control your blood sugar, medication will likely be part of your treatment plan. Work closely with your doctor to determine the right drugs, dosage and schedule for your individual needs and goals. Don’t stop or alter medications without medical advice.
Reducing Stress
High stress can increase blood sugar levels and make diabetes harder to manage. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga or spending time outdoors in nature. Ask for help from friends and family when needed. Finding healthy ways to cope with daily demands and frustrations is important for well-being.
