Management of type 2 diabetes Flashcards
What is diabetes
Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the body’s cells, but in people with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels) or doesn’t effectively use the insulin it produces.
As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels, which can cause a range of health problems over time, including damage to the nerves, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and heart.
There are several types of diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, while type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to meet its needs. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born, but it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Risk factors
Family history: If you have a close family member (parent or sibling) with diabetes, your risk for developing diabetes increases.
Overweight or obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk for type 2 diabetes. This is because excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, which can eventually lead to diabetes.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise helps to improve insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthy weight.
Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after age 45.
Race and ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, are at higher risk for diabetes.
Gestational diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS, a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, are at higher risk for developing diabetes.
High blood pressure: Having high blood pressure can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
High cholesterol or triglycerides: High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes
Increased thirst and frequent urination: High blood sugar levels can cause the body to try to flush out excess glucose through urine, leading to increased thirst and frequent urination.
Hunger and fatigue: The body’s inability to use glucose for energy can lead to feelings of hunger and fatigue.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause changes in the shape of the lens in the eye, leading to blurry vision.
Slow healing of cuts or wounds: High blood sugar levels can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections.
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves in the hands and feet, leading to numbness or tingling.
Unexplained weight loss: People with type 1 diabetes may experience unexplained weight loss due to the body’s inability to use glucose for energy and the breakdown of muscle and fat for energy instead.
Symptoms of diabetes
Increased thirst and frequent urination: High blood sugar levels can cause the body to try to flush out excess glucose through urine, leading to increased thirst and frequent urination.
Hunger and fatigue: The body’s inability to use glucose for energy can lead to feelings of hunger and fatigue.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause changes in the shape of the lens in the eye, leading to blurry vision.
Slow healing of cuts or wounds: High blood sugar levels can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections.
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves in the hands and feet, leading to numbness or tingling.
Unexplained weight loss: People with type 1 diabetes may experience unexplained weight loss due to the body’s inability to use glucose for energy and the breakdown of muscle and fat for energy instead.
Diagnosis & Monitoring of diabetes
Diagnosis of diabetes is typically done through blood tests that measure blood glucose levels. The two most common tests used for diagnosis are the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test and the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test.
Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test: This test measures the level of glucose in the blood after a period of fasting, typically 8 hours or overnight. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions is diagnostic of diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test: This test measures the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months. A level of 6.5% or higher on two separate occasions is diagnostic of diabetes.
In addition to diagnosis, monitoring of diabetes is important to ensure that blood glucose levels are kept within a healthy range. This can be done through regular blood glucose testing, either at home using a glucometer or at a healthcare provider’s office. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following blood glucose targets for most adults with diabetes:
Fasting blood glucose: 80-130 mg/dL
Blood glucose before meals: 80-130 mg/dL
Blood glucose 1-2 hours after meals: < 180 mg/dL
Diabetes complications
Cardiovascular disease: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Nerve damage: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves throughout the body, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain.
Kidney damage: Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease or even kidney failure.
Eye damage: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems and even blindness.
Foot damage: Nerve damage and poor blood flow to the feet can lead to infections, ulcers, and even amputations.
Skin conditions: People with diabetes are more prone to skin infections, fungal infections, and other skin problems.
Hearing loss: Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the ears, leading to hearing loss.
Depression: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
Preventing complications
Keep blood sugar levels under control: Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is the most important step in preventing complications. This can be achieved through a combination of medication, regular physical activity, and a healthy diet.
Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol: High blood pressure and cholesterol levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. Regular monitoring and management of these levels can help reduce the risk.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels and increase the risk of complications. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce this risk.
Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications and other health problems. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk and improve overall health.
Regular medical check-ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help identify and manage any potential complications early on. This may include regular eye exams, foot exams, and kidney function tests.
Self-care: It’s important for people with diabetes to take care of themselves through daily self-care routines. This includes regularly checking blood sugar levels, monitoring for symptoms of complications, and taking medications as prescribed.
