Type 2 diabetes remedies


 

How Is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?



A doctor will typically diagnose type 2 diabetes using the glycated hemoglobin test, also known as the A1C test. This blood test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. The results are interpreted as follows:

  • Below 5.7% is considered healthy.

  • 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes.

  • 6.5% or higher on two separate tests confirms a diagnosis of diabetes.

If an A1C test isn't available or suitable, other blood tests may be used to diagnose diabetes:

  • Random blood sugar test: This test measures your blood sugar at any time, regardless of when you last ate. A result of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher suggests diabetes, especially if you have symptoms like frequent urination or extreme thirst.

  • Fasting blood sugar test: You'll have your blood drawn after not eating overnight.

    • Less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is healthy.

    • 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes.

    • 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two tests confirms a diagnosis of diabetes.

  • Oral glucose tolerance test: This test is often used for pregnant people or those with cystic fibrosis. After fasting, you drink a sugary liquid, and your blood sugar is tested over a two-hour period.

    • Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after two hours is healthy.

    • 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 and 11.0 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes.

    • 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher after two hours suggests diabetes.

Who Should Be Screened for Diabetes?



The American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening for all adults age 35 or older. Screening is also advised for:

  • People younger than 35 who are overweight or obese and have other risk factors for diabetes.

  • Women who had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).

  • People with a previous diagnosis of prediabetes.

  • Children who are overweight or obese and have a family history of type 2 diabetes or other risk factors.

After a diagnosis, your doctor may perform additional tests to determine whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, as treatment plans differ. You’ll also have your A1C levels checked at least twice a year and undergo other tests to screen for potential complications.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Living with type 2 diabetes requires an understanding of the condition and making certain lifestyle adjustments. The key to management is keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range to help prevent or delay complications. Management often includes:

Healthy Eating

There is no one-size-fits-all "diabetes diet," but healthy eating involves focusing on:

  • A regular meal schedule.

  • Eating smaller amounts of food.

  • Choosing high-fiber foods like fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Limiting refined grains, starchy vegetables, and sweets.

  • Eating moderate servings of low-fat dairy, lean meats, and fish.

  • Using healthy cooking oils like olive or canola oil.

  • Reducing your overall calorie intake.

A registered dietitian can help you create a personalized plan and learn how to manage your carbohydrate intake to keep your blood sugar stable.

Physical Activity

Exercise is vital for managing blood sugar and maintaining a healthy weight. Always consult your doctor before starting or changing an exercise routine.

  • Aerobic activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

  • Strength training: Do strength-training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week. This helps with strength, balance, and daily activities.

  • Move more: Break up long periods of sitting by standing, walking around, or doing some light activity every 30 minutes.

Weight Loss

Losing weight can significantly improve blood sugar levels, cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides. Even a modest weight loss of 5% of your body weight can have a positive impact. Your doctor or dietitian can help you set realistic weight-loss goals.

Tracking Your Blood Sugar

Your healthcare team will let you know how often you need to check your blood sugar. You can use a small at-home device called a blood glucose meter to measure the amount of sugar in a drop of blood.

Another option is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), an electronic system that records blood sugar levels every few minutes via a sensor placed under your skin, usually on your arm. The system sends the data to a mobile device and can alert you if your levels are too high or too low.

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