What are the methods for controlling type 2 diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mom is 58 years old and just found out she has type 2 diabetes. She has always kept us all in line with healthy eating, so this news has thrown us for a loop. She is worried about what this means for her daily life; does she have to give up her morning toast or evening walks?

She has also been dealing with high blood pressure for a few years now; does this make things more complicated? We are all trying to wrap our heads around how to support her without making her feel overwhelmed. Any advice on what steps she should take or how we can help her adjust to this new normal?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that happens because of a problem in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as a fuel. That sugar is also called glucose. This long-term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the blood. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems.

In type 2 diabetes, there are primarily two problems. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cells). In such conditions, these cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar.

Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, but both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can begin during childhood and adulthood. Type 2 is more common in older adults. However, the increase in the number of children with obesity (abnormal or excessive fat accumulation) has led to more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger people.

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes. Losing weight, eating well, and exercising can help manage the disease. If diet and exercise are not enough to control blood sugar, diabetes medications or insulin therapy may be recommended.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of queries.

Thank you.