4 key facts to help you understand Type 2 diabetes

Information is the best weapon in the fight against Type 2 diabetes. Here are some important facts to know about this disease, and how you can keep it under control.

• Type 2 diabetes develops slowly during adulthood. It's generally manageable with diet, weight reduction and medication.
• With this form of the disease, you either aren't ­producing enough insulin anymore, or your cells are no longer ­responding to it correctly.
• When you don't have enough insulin, glucose builds up in your blood instead of entering your cells, which need it to function.
• This causes high blood sugar, the source of many complications.
• If you don't treat it, over time your eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels can be damaged.

Generally, diabetes occurs for two reasons.

• First, it may run in your family, so you're genetically susceptible.
• Second, you may have taxed your body’s glucose-balancing system to exhaustion, probably from poor eating habits and excess weight.

When you're diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you'll probably be instructed to do the following:

• Make lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet and regular exercise, to lower blood sugar and enhance overall health.
• Told to lose weight to prevent worsening of disease and reduce risk of complications.
• Start taking medications to stave off initiating insulin injections.

Besides the basics, you may also want to try to following to help manage Type 2 diabetes:

• Expand your annual check-up. Be sure to add an eye exam by an eye specialist and a foot exam by a podiatrist. And don't forget vaccinations against flu and pneumonia.
• Have a hemoglobin A1c test. Initially, every two to three months, your doctor will check your long-term glucose control. A score higher than nine means you need more control.
• Avoid foot problems. Give your feet the best possible care, and wear shoes that really fit. With a doctor’s prescription, some expenses related to footwear may be defrayed by your insurance.
• Eat at regular times. Because many foods get converted to glucose, and those levels need to be kept steady, schedule meals and snacks for about the same time every day.

The key to dealing with diabetes is to feel a sense of control. After all, most diabetes problems can be prevented or delayed with smart living, a measure of diligence and the right medications.