March 18, 2022
Type 2 diabetes, a condition that occurs when the body is not able to use insulin properly, is a progressive condition that generally gets worse over time. As type 2 diabetes progresses, affected individuals are at an increased risk of developing new health complications, such as heart and kidney disease.
Understanding how diabetes changes with age as well as how to properly manage blood glucose levels is an important step in slowing the progression of type 2 diabetes and, hopefully, preventing the onset of further health complications.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
The body produces an important hormone, called insulin, in the pancreas that helps the body convert glucose (sugar) into energy. If you have type 2 diabetes, either your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or your body does not use insulin properly. People with type 2 diabetes may experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Tingling in the feet and hands
People of all ages can develop type 2 diabetes. While the condition generally develops in people older than 45, young adults and teenagers are increasingly being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Certain lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, inactivity, and smoking, can increase a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Complications from Type 2 Diabetes
Too much glucose (blood sugar) in the bloodstream can damage the blood vessels and, over time, cause health complications. The risk of complications is generally higher in those who were diagnosed earlier in life and include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Hypoglycemia
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision impairments
- Nerve damage in the limbs
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Managing type 2 diabetes is a necessary action to slow the progression of type 2 diabetes and therefore prevent the onset of further health complications. In addition to medication, integrating certain lifestyle changes into your daily routine can go a long way in managing type 2 diabetes.
Monitor your blood sugar multiple times a day. If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, regularly monitor your blood sugar levels for unhealthy spikes. If you notice a change in your blood sugar levels, take action to get it under control and reduce your chances of developing an additional health concern.
Maintain a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet lowers the risk of obesity, an important risk factor for diabetes. To implement a well-rounded diet, consider incorporating lots of fresh produce and lean meats into your diet and avoid too much sugar, salt, and processed foods.
Move your body. Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy body weight and manage blood glucose levels. The CDC and other health organizations recommend doing 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, or just roughly 22 minutes a day. Moderate exercise includes activities such as walking, biking, and swimming.
Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit. Smoking significantly increases your chances of developing diabetes. If you’re not sure how to stop smoking, or if you’re having trouble, talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy and other options.
Visit your doctor regularly. Make sure you’re getting regular physical exams from your doctor, especially if you have prediabetes or risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. If you’re being treated for type 2 diabetes, regularly meet with your doctor to review and revise your treatment plan.
How JSP Home Care Services Can Help
Living with type 2 diabetes can make it challenging to care for yourself as you age. At JSP Home Care Services, we provide a variety of home care services to help aging adults manage chronic conditions at home. To learn more about home care services for patients with type 2 diabetes in New York City, contact us online or call 866.860.2528.
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