Identifying Type 2 Diabetes Signs and the “Type 2 Diabetes Body Shape”
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar levels in the body rise to a level higher than normal. The other main component of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. This is when your body does not use the insulin It produces properly to convert the sugar in your blood into energy. When your body has insulin resistance, your body after time cannot keep up with the production of insulin to keep your blood sugar levels regulated. Here we will look at the risk factors of diabetes, what a “diabetes body shape means” and how to avoid it altogether.
Type 2 Diabetes Body Shape
Carrying excess fat around the abdomen, or having an “apple” body shape, is a known risk factor for diabetes. An apple shaped body can describe someone with broad shoulder and more weight around the stomach area. An apple shaped body is a concern because the more weight a person has around the abdomen area can lead to certain organs to not function to the best of their ability due to the fat around them.
Being overweight or having excess weight is one of the type 2 diabetes risk factors for health safety. The following symptoms are linked to type 2 diabetes risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Strokes
- Certain types of cancer
- Sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Fatty liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy problems
The best way to prevent health complications and the development of type 2 diabetes risk factors is to work on losing weight. Losing around 5 % of your body weight can not only lower your risk for disease but also make you feel better. The best way to get on top of your weight is to not only follow diet guidelines but also exercise. Diet and exercise are the best ways to not only maintain a healthy lifestyle but also a healthy weight. Here are a few examples of ways to add healthier foods to your diet:
- Make sure your plate is half filled with fruits and vegetables
- Change your grains to whole wheat grains
- Eat lean protein such as seafood, beans, peas, soy, nuts and seeds.
If you are unsure whether you have type 2 diabetes but have it in your family history, it is best that you speak to a medical professional about your risk.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
It is not uncommon to not notice type 2 diabetes symptoms until it is too late. These symptoms develop slowly and over time you may start to recognize the symptoms. Here is a list of type 2 diabetes symptoms:
- Increased thirst and urination – Sugar built up in your blood makes your tissues more dehydrated leaving you feeling thirsty. You will end up using the restroom more often because you are drinking more fluids than normal.
- Increased hunger – Insulin converts the sugar into energy but without insulin function correct your organs will become depleted of energy and will make you feel hungry.
- Weight loss – even though you may be eating more than normal, you may also notice that you are losing weight. Since your body is unable to use the insulin properly it turns to alternative methods to convert the sugar into energy creating calorie loss.
- Fatigue – Less sugar in your cells will make you feel tired
- Blurred vision – when the sugar in your blood is too high it pulls fluids from your lenses in your eyes making your ability to focus on things more difficult.
- Slow healing sores and infections – diabetes changes your ability to heal and resist infections.
If you have read through these symptoms and think that you may be able to relate, call your doctor to speak to them about your concerns.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/health-risks-overweight