5 Type 2 Diabetes
Valerie Cagle
“Diabetes Prevalence, 2021” by Our World in Data is licensed under CC BY 4.0
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s insulin receptors do not respond appropriately to insulin and create insulin resistance and the body is not properly managing glucose (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Glucose is the body’s primary source of energy and is also known as blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone that carries this glucose out of the blood and to various locations in the body. Insulin is a key that allows glucose to enter the cell. When insulin resistance occurs, the key does not open the door to let the sugar in the cell. Because of this, the pancreas will continue to produce insulin with the hope that cells will respond. When this resistance continues, the pancreas is forced to work harder than it can handle. This extra workload causes a rise in blood sugar levels, and these elevated levels can be harmful to the body (CDC, 2022).
Risk Factors
Treatment Methods
Preventing Type 2 diabetes is not always possible. When this is the case, setting up a time to test your blood sugar is essential. Once diagnosed with this condition, the individual will begin to monitor their blood sugar. Diabetes medication and insulin therapy are also options for treatment. Insulin therapy is a treatment that helps to keep blood sugar levels within the desired range (Mayo Clinic, 2021). If blood sugar is consistently outside this range, complications can arise. The other side of type 2 diabetes treatment focuses on behavioral and lifestyle changes. This includes steps such as healthy eating and exercising regularly. These changes help to regulate your blood sugar and can slow down or even prevent complications.
“Diabetes Glucose monitoring” by Blausen.com staff is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Getting screened regularly by your doctor, especially if you have some risk factors, is another way to get ahead of treating and managing your diabetes. Healthcare professionals recommend that all patients begin screenings at the age of 45, and earlier if multiple risk factors are present (WebMD, n.d.). Finally, medications can be taken if other methods, such as diet and exercise, are insufficient to manage blood sugar levels (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Medication is typically not prescribed until after trying lifestyle changes but is effective when needed. Overall, taking care of your body before a diagnosis can reduce diabetes prevalence and may prevent the development of serious complications as well.
Socioeconomic status and Diabetes
Because type 2 diabetes connects to behavioral factors so closely, socioeconomic status can significantly impact development and prevalence. The socioeconomic status of an individual can impact their healthcare in multiple ways. One significant way this population is affected is through less access to care. Those living in areas with a low socioeconomic status are less likely to use and have access to general healthcare, specific