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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON TYPE 2 DIABETESWhat is type 2 diabetes? — Type 2 diabetes (sometimes called type 2 “diabetes mellitus”) is a disorder that disrupts the way your body uses sugar.
All the cells in your body need sugar to work normally. Sugar gets into the cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. If there is not enough insulin, or if the body stops responding to insulin, sugar builds up in the blood. That is what happens to people with diabetes. There are two different types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the problem is that the body makes little or no insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the problem is that: · The body’s cells do not respond to insulin · The body does not make enough insulin · Or both What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes? — Type 2 diabetes usually causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include: · The need to urinate often · Intense thirst · Blurry vision If type 2 diabetes rarely causes symptoms, why should I care about it? — Even though type 2 diabetes may not make you feel sick, it can cause serious problems over time, if it is not treated. The disorder can lead to: · Heart attacks · Strokes · Kidney disease · Vision problems (or even blindness) · Pain or loss of feeling in the hands and feet · The need to have fingers, toes, or other body parts removed (amputated) How do I know if I have type 2 diabetes? — To find out if you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor or nurse can do a blood test to measure the amount of sugar in your blood. How is type 2 diabetes treated? — There are a few medicines that help control blood sugar. Some people need to take pills that help the body make more insulin or that help insulin do its job. Others need insulin shots. Sometimes, people with type 2 diabetes also need medicines to reduce the problems caused by the disease. For instance, medicines used to lower blood pressure can reduce the chances of a heart attack or stroke. Medicines are not the only tool to manage diabetes. Being active, losing weight, eating right, and not smoking can all help people with diabetes stay as healthy as possible. Can type 2 diabetes be prevented? — Yes, it can. To reduce your chances of getting type 2 diabetes, the most important thing you can do is control your weight. If you already have the disorder, losing weight can improve your health and blood sugar control. Being active can also help prevent or control the disorder. IS TYPE 2 DIABETES A "MILDER" FORM OF DIABETES?No!
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CAN IT BE TREATED?How is type 2 diabetes treated? — Type 2 diabetes can be treated with:
· Diet changes · Lifestyle changes · Medicines Your doctor or nurse will work with you to make a treatment plan that is right for you. What diet and lifestyle changes might be part of my treatment? — Diet and lifestyle changes that might be part of your treatment include: · Losing weight · Eating healthy foods · Getting regular exercise · Not smoking What medicines are used to treat type 2 diabetes? — Different medicines can be used to treat type 2 diabetes. The first medicine that most people with type 2 diabetes take is a pill called metformin (sold as Glucophage®). How do I know if my treatment is working? — One way to know if your treatment is working is to check your blood sugar level. People can use a device called a “blood glucose monitor” to check their blood sugar level at home. If your doctor recommends that you use a blood glucose monitor, he or she will teach you how and tell you when to use it. Your doctor can also do a blood test called an “A1C.” This test checks what your blood sugar level has been over the past 2 to 3 months. What if my blood sugar level is still higher than normal? — If your blood sugar level is still higher than normal after you have been taking metformin for 2 to 3 months, your doctor might add a second medicine to your treatment. Which second medicine will I take? — There are different medicines your doctor can prescribe. The choice will depend, in part, on your weight, your other health problems, and if you want to use a shot. Some of these medicines can cause low blood sugar as a side effect. Symptoms of low blood sugar can include: · Sweating and shaking · Feeling hungry · Feeling worried Low blood sugar should be treated quickly because it can lead to passing out. Your doctor or nurse will tell you beforehand how to treat it. What is insulin? — Insulin is a medicine that lowers a person’s blood sugar level. It usually comes in the form of a shot that people give themselves. People who use insulin might use it as a second medicine, or as their only medicine. If your doctor prescribes insulin, he or she will show you how to give yourself a shot. He or she will also tell you: · Which type of insulin to use – Some types work faster or last longer than others. · How much insulin to use · When to use it · When to check your blood sugar level An insulin dose often needs to change when a person gets sick, has surgery, travels, or eats out. Ask your doctor or nurse how to change your dose during these times. What other treatments might I need? — Sometimes, people with type 2 diabetes need medicines to treat health problems that often affect people with diabetes. For example, people who have high blood pressure might take medicines to lower their blood pressure. This can reduce their chances of having a heart attack or stroke. When should I see my doctor or nurse? — Most people with diabetes see their doctor or nurse every 3 or 4 months. He or she will talk with you about your medicines and blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar levels are not in control, your doctor might make changes to your treatment plan. Taking care of diabetes can be hard, and some people feel sad or worried about their diabetes. Let your doctor or nurse know if you feel this way so that he or she can help. ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?If you have suggestions for further questions, please submit them on my Feedback page.
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