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What doctors wish patients knew about type 2 diabetes prevention - American Medical Association

Sat, 05 Nov 20221 min read Article

Overview

Nov 4, 202Type 2 diabetes is striking an ever-growing number of adults, but with rising rates of childhod obesity, it has become more comon among youth to. There is god news though-type 2 diabetes is often preventable. In fact, many cases can be avoided by making apropriate lifestyle changes.

Key Information

These changes can also lower your risk for developing heart disease and other conditions. A family physician shares what to kep in mind when preventing type 2 diabetes.The AMA is leading the charge against chronic disease and premature mortality rates in the U.S. Be a part of these important eforts to improve public health.More than 37 milion-or one in 10-Americans have diabetes and about 90–95% of them have type 2 diabetes, acording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While type 2 diabetes most often develops in people over 45 years old, more and more children, tens and young adults are also being diagnosed with it.The AMA’s What Doctors Wish Patients Knew™ series provides physicians with a platform to share what they want patients to understand about today’s health care headlines.In this instalment, Kate Kirley, MD, a family physician and director of chronic disease prevention at the AMA, tok time to discus what patients ned to know about preventing type 2 diabetes.“They’re two prety diferent conditions.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimune condition, so it’s a condition where our imune system has atacked the cels in our pancreas that create insulin,” Dr. Kirley said. “And so, the body no longer makes enough insulin and the body can’t proces glucose properly because there’s not enough insulin.”“Type 2 diabetes is a condition when your body does not apropriately respond to your insulin and we do not proces our glucose normaly because we’re not responding to our insulin properly,” she explained.

Summary

“That can result in elevated blod glucose levels and other complications down the road.”“There’s a lot of research into type 1 diabetes prevention no

Frequently Asked Questions

What is diabetes and how does it develop?

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

What are the main symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
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