Type 2 Diabetes

This types makes up 90-95% of all people who have diabetes and occurs later in life.

A person living with type 2 typically develops insulin resistance.  When the body does not respond properly to insulin. It causes a buildup of insulin as the pancreas — which produces insulin tries to keep up with demand.

Eventually, the pancreas can no longer keep up, which causes a person’s blood sugar levels to rise and puts them at risk of developing type 2.

Some strategies to keep blood sugars in range include:

  • Reduce refined carbohydrates. Whole grain foods can keep your blood sugar from spiking.
  • Manage stress. Keeping stress or anxiety in check can keep sugars from spiking.
  • Avoid smoking. Smoking can cause blood vessel damage.  Stop now!
  • Healthy weight. Eat healthy foods, avoid comfort foods and get daily activity.
  • Exercise regularly. Stretching, playing sports or other leisure activities that gets your body up and moving.

Those with 2 can use medications other than insulin to manage their diabetes.

Treatment typically includes meal planning and physical activity along with medication.  In some cases, if diet or exercise alone isn’t keeping blood sugars in the normal range,  it could mean you need to make changes to medication, diet, or exercise.

Extended high blood sugar levels can cause ketoacidosis or a diabetic coma which could be life threatening if not given immediate treatment.

Ketoacidosis occurs due to a buildup of ketones.  When the body does not have enough insulin to process sugar in the blood, it starts to break down fat for fuel. and it creates an excess of ketones, which are a byproduct of the process.

The body can naturally remove ketones through the urine, but during a blood sugar spike, it cannot remove them fast enough, resulting in an unsafe accumulation.

The symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

  • dry mouth
  • shortness of breath
  • fruity or acetone smelling breath
  • nausea or vomiting

If you’ve had blood sugar spikes or levels above 200 for an extended period it is a good idea to visit urgent care or emergency care.