Type 2 Diabetes

This is the most common form of diabetes affecting 80% to 90% of people. This disease is strongly genetic in origin. It is mainly associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity. Most of the people with this type of diabetes are overweight.

Symptoms:

# Fatigue and nausea.

# Frequent urination.

# Unusual thirst.

# Weight loss.

# Blurred vision.

# Frequent infections.

# Slow healing of wounds.

# Erectile dysfunction in men.

Meal planning for this type of diabetes includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount of food and at the right time. Diet should be balanced on terms of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. You should always consult a dietitian in this case.

Regular exercise is very helpful for the diabetic people. It helps control the glucose in the blood and helps in burning excess calories and fats to achieve optimal weight. Exercise also increases the body's energy level, lowers tension and improves your ability to handle stress. But you should always obtain a medical approval before starting any exercise program.

Foot problems should be taken care of by the diabetic person. To prevent injury to the feet check your feet every day and report sores or changes and signs of infection. Wash feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap and dry them thoroughly. Soften dry skin with lotion or petroleum jelly. Protect feet with comfortable and well-fitting shoes. Exercise daily to promote good circulation. See a podiatrist for foot problems or to have corns or calluses removed. Discontinue smoking because it worsens blood flow to the feet.

Monitor yourself:

1. Have a visit with a diabetes care provider every three months.

2. Have your glycosylated hemoglobin measured in every three months.

3. Blood pressure check.

4. Foot and skin examination.

5. Opthalmoscopy examination.

6. Neurological examination.

7. Urine test for protein, BUN and serum creatinine, serum cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides, ECG dilated retinal exam.

If you are a type 2 diabetic person and at anytime you feel weakness, drowsiness, headache, confusion, dizziness, double vision, lack of coordination, immediately call your health care provider.