Type 2 diabetes What is it and how does it affect the body?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which levels of sugar, or glucose, build up in the bloodstream. The hormone insulin helps move sugar from the blood into cells, which is where sugar is used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells cannot respond to insulin as well as they should. In later stages of the disease, the body does not make enough insulin.

Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can lead to chronic blood sugar levels, causing various symptoms and potentially leading to serious complications.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use insulin effectively to get glucose into your cells. This makes the body organism of alternative energy sources from the tissues, muscles and organs.

This is a chain reaction that can cause a variety of symptoms. Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly, and symptoms can be mild and easy to reduce at first.

diabetes

The first symptoms to appear with type 2 diabetes are:

  • Constant hunger
  • Lack of energy
  • Fatigue
  • Weightloss
  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Dry mouth
  • Skin itch
  • Blurry vision

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and potentially dangerous.

If blood sugar levels have been high for a long time, more symptoms than those mentioned above appear:

  • Yeast infections
  • Slow-healing cuts or sores
  • Dark spots on your skin
  • Foot pain
  • Numbness in the extremities or neuropathy.

If two or more of these symptoms appear, the ideal is to consult the doctor. Without treatment, diabetes can be fatal.

Type 2 diabetes has a powerful effect on the heart . Women with this disease are twice as likely to have another heart attack after the first and quadruple the risk of heart failure compared to women without diabetes.

Diet for type 2 diabetes

Diet is an important tool for keeping your heart healthy and your blood sugar levels within a safe range. The recommended diet for people with type 2 diabetes is the same that we all should follow and it comes down to a few key actions:

  • Have a meal schedule.
  • Choose foods that are rich in nutrients and low in empty calories.
  • Do not eat in excess.
  • Read food labels carefully.

Foods that are included in the diet for type 2 diabetes

Healthy carbohydrates can provide fiber and include:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Whole grains

Heart -healthy omega-3 fatty acid foods:

  • Tuna
  • Sardines
  • Salmon
  • Mackerel
  • Cod

Healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can be obtained from different foods such as:

  • Olive oil
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Avocados

Although these options are ideal and can be included in a diet for type 2 diabetes, they are high in calories. Moderation is key. When choosing dairy products, low-fat options are best.