Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disorder that influences the means in which the body uses blood sugar (glucose). In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes either resistant to insulin or it cannot produce insulin in abundance to normalise blood sugar levels as opposed to Type 1 diabetes where the body fails to produce insulin. This causes increased glucose in the blood and this may result in severe health conditions in the long term unless addressed.
Although Type 2 diabetes is prevalent among the adults, it may as well occur in children and teenagers and the prevalence of obesity is increasing. Fortunately, the condition can be treated through lifestyle changes, medication, and alternative medicine including Iridology which also provides a holistic management of health.
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The Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may develop gradually and can easily be missed. Nevertheless, it is essential to be familiar with the symptoms to enable early detection and treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Infection or wounds that take a long time to heal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain or numbness of hands or feet
Should you have any of these symptoms, you should see a healthcare professional to be tested and, should you need it, start receiving treatment. The risk of complications can be greatly minimised with early intervention.
Causes and Risk Factors
The onset of type 2 diabetes is due to the body becoming insulin-resistant or producing insulin in insufficient amounts to regulate sugar levels in the blood. Even though the exact cause of Type 2 diabetes remains a research topic, there are multiple risk factors that dispose patients to this condition:
Obesity
Obesity is an overweight condition that leads to Type 2 diabetes, particularly in the abdomen. The body can be made insulin-resistant by fat cells.
Age
Type 2 diabetes is more likely in people who are above the age of 45, but it may occur in any age group.
Family History
Type 2 diabetes can be genetically predetermined, so having a family history of the condition can make you have a predisposition to the disease.
Physical Inactivity
The absence of regular physical exercise may lead to gaining weight and becoming insulin resistant.
Poor Diet
Unhealthy diets including processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats may also cause Type 2 diabetes.
Ethnic Background
There are people of specific ethnic backgrounds who are at increased risk such as African-Caribbean, Hispanic, and South Asian peoples.
Although such variables may contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes, including healthier nutrition, more physical activity, and healthy weight, are capable of lowering the risk of the disease greatly.
Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
The most widely used diagnostic blood test to diagnose Type 2 diabetes is the fasting blood glucose test, which is a measurement of the blood sugar following an overnight fast. Other tests include:
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
This is a test of blood sugar levels before and after consuming a sweet liquid.
A1C test
This test measures the average blood sugar levels, which have occurred in the last two to three months. A level of 6.5 and above on two consecutive tests is an indication of diabetes.
When you are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it is important to adhere to a treatment strategy that should be individualised.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
The treatment of Type 2 diabetes is all about maintaining the level of blood sugar in order to avoid complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. The next strategies are generally suggested:
Dietary Changes
The management of Type 2 diabetes is dependent on a balanced and nutritious diet. Focus on:
Complex Carbohydrates
Switching to whole grains, fruits and vegetables is important over refined carbs which lead to spikes in blood sugar.
Lean Proteins
Add chicken, fish, legumes and plant-based proteins to your diet.
Healthy Fats
Favour sources of unsaturated fats such as olive oil, nuts (you have to be careful of nut allergies), and avocados.
Portion Control
It is possible to control blood sugar level through eating smaller frequent meals.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity assists your body to utilise insulin more efficiently. The goal should be to have at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Exercises such as walking, cycling and swimming are excellent options.
Medications
Lifestyle changes may not be enough to control the blood sugar levels in some people. Medications can be prescribed in these situations. These could include:
Metformin
Metformin is the most prescribed drug for Type 2 diabetes, and it is used to reduce blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity.
Sulfonylureas
These medications prompt the pancreas to generate a greater amount of insulin.
Insulin
In certain instances, insulin treatment could be necessary, particularly when the pancreas is incapable of producing an adequate amount of insulin.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
Frequently checking blood sugar levels at home using a glucose metre can make you aware of the effect your food and lifestyle have on your blood sugar. Monitoring your levels will help you to make changes in your treatment when necessary.
The Role of Iridology in Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Although conventional medicine involves the use of medications to manage Type 2 diabetes, Iridology, or the science of the iris of the eye, is very different and relies on a holistic approach. Iridologists believe that the patterns, colours and markings of the iris may indicate the wellbeing of organs and systems in the body including the pancreas.
Iridology associates the pancreas with certain parts of the iris. Using these patterns, Iridologists are able to detect the initial indicators of insulin resistance or other metabolic abnormalities before these manifest in terms of Type 2 diabetes symptoms. This early diagnosis can encourage individuals to undertake dietary, lifestyle, and dietary supplement interventions that can stop or postpone the disease.
Also, Iridology is complementary and can be applied to track progress when treating Type 2 diabetes. Changes in the iris over time may be noticeable by iridologists and this may be a sign of effective lifestyle changes, improved dietary practices, and other therapeutic measures.
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Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is a severe disease that has to be proactively controlled in order to avoid complications. With a combination of lifestyle modifications (healthy nutrition, physical exercises, and medication adherence), it is possible to live a healthy and happy life even with the diagnosis.
Additionally, alternative medicine such as Iridology provides the holistic application, which can be used to supplement conventional therapy programmes. Iridology is not an alternative to medical care, though it can be a worthy addition to one’s existing health knowledge, allowing people to remain ahead of possible diseases.
Take charge of your health today in case you or a loved one are at a risk of Type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed. Discuss with your healthcare provider and consider other methods such as Iridology to promote your overall well-being.
With information and action, you will be able to effectively take control of Type 2 diabetes and enjoy a healthy and vibrant life.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek diagnosis and treatment from a qualified healthcare provider, which is specific to your own case.
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