Diabetes type 2 is a medical condition where the body is unable to regulate and use glucose as its fuel. It’s a chronic disease that may lead to a high amount of sugar in the bloodstream. As a result, high sugar levels in the blood can lead to other medical conditions related to the immune and nervous systems.
Let’s look at some of the most common causes and prevention tips for type 2 diabetes.
What are the causes of diabetes type 2?
Insulin is a hormone created by your pancreas that turns glucose into energy. People with diabetes do make insulin but their cells fail to use it properly.
Initially, the pancreas tries to make more insulin to help get glucose in the cells. But it fails to keep up and glucose accumulates in the bloodstream causing blood sugar levels to rise.
Usually, several factors may contribute to diabetes type 2. These include:
- Obesity: It can lead to insulin resistance, especially if there is extra weight around the waist.
- Genes: Some people may be more prone to have type 2 diabetes based on their genetic disposition.
- Poor communication between your cells: Sometimes your cells may send wrong signals and don’t receive the messages correctly. These issues in communication may affect how your cells use glucose or insulin, leading to diabetes.
- Too much glucose: When the blood sugar levelis low, your liver produces and releases more glucose into the bloodstream. As you consume food, the blood sugar level rises, and the liver generally slows down this function and stores the glucose for later. However, sometimes a person’s liver may not be able to do this and contribute to increased blood sugar levels.
How can you prevent diabetes?
Adopting some healthy habits can help you lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Eat healthy
Eating healthy snacks and meals is one of the most simple and effective ways to control and maintain your body’s vital functions. Make sure to include a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits in your daily diet.
Stay active
Doctors recommend that adults should engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate to intense physical activity during a week. These physical exercises may include cycling, swimming, or brisk walking. This is about only 30 minutes a day five times a week. On the other hand, adolescents and children should engage in at least one hour of physical activity every day.
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