A straightforward guide to understanding and managing your condition
Type 2 Diabetes Milletus is classified as a chronic long term health condition that has a serious impact on the body's ability to process blood sugar (glucose). Contrary to Type 1 diabetes (the body does not produce insulin), the body does produce i sulin but lacks the ability to process it properly. This is called insulin resistance.
Frequent symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include:
There are other symptoms such as:
It is of paramount importance that this condition is diagnosed as early as possible because delay in treatment can lead to comorbid conditions like:
According to the World Health Organization, around 830 million people worldwide have diabetes (WHO,2022). While there is currently no cure for this disease, taking control of your health through health behaviour changes with the right support, information and motivation.
In Type 2 Diabetes: occurs due to insufficient insulin production, or the insulin is produced but the body does not react to it. This therefore, means that too much glucose is accumulated in the bloodstream, instead of cell absorption for energy.
Due to the unresponsiveness of the body’s muscle, fat, and liver cells much pressure is put on the pancreas as hyperglycemia triggers a resistant action to insulin causing an inadequate insulin secretion and excessive glucagon secretion. This increased demand on the pancreas leads to high blood glucose levels over time. It is important that you understand this health condition as being knowledgeable helps you to mayou good decisions about lifestyle changes and management of this disease.
From a biopsychosocial perspective, it is important to note that understanding diabetes is not only about biology. While genetics is an important contributing factor, there are other principal components such as inflammation and obesity
Empirical data have steadily shown that diabetes has a psychological effect on patients. There is an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other diabetes-related distress.
In addition, further research has suggested that patients experiencing this chronic condition also experience social isolation, reduced quality of life, increased healthcare costs, and strain on social support, social lifestyle factors (like diet, income, and culture) all influence how diabetes develops and is managed.
A healthy diet is one of the ways to manage diabetes it is therefore recommended that a low glycaemic index (GI) diet, meaning foods that have a minimal impact on the body’s blood sugar level is followed. These foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. It is also important to eat less processed foods and sugary drinks.
Portion size is very important in managing your condition.
Use the eatwell plate method.
Regular physical activity and maintaining a normal body weight can delay the onset of diabetes as well as bringing the disease under control. Aiming for 150 minutes/week of moderate exercise (e.g., walking, swimming) could yield tremendous benefits in that exercise plays a key role to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels.
May include Metformin, insulin, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, a type of medication used to treat Type 2 Diabetes and obesity. Patients with this chronic condition should follow the advice given by their doctors and should never attempt to adjust the dosage of the medication.
There is a psychological element around the management of this condition owing to the fact that diabetes distress and depression are common. People living with depression could find it more difficult to manage health behaviour changes such as diet, exercise and medication.
From a physiological standpoint, depression and stress tend to trigger an increase in cortisol and adrenaline levels resulting in increased blood sugar levels.
Motivation and believing in your ability to manage your health are keys to selfmanagement and long-term success.
Talking therapies aimed at improving the mental and emotional health of people living with diabetes are available on the NHS. Seek support from your healthcare team or mental health professional.
Practice mindfulness or breathing techniques in order to reduce stress.
Seek support from health professionals such s a psychologist or a therapist or a diabetes support group.
Techniques such as mindfulness, CBT, and peer support have shown positive outcomes as they can help you to manage thoughts and behaviours relating to diabetes.
Tip: Set reminders, use health apps, and build habits that work with your lifestyle.
American Diabetes Association. (2023). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes.
https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23
DiabetesUK
NICE. (2022). Type 2 diabetes in adults: Management. Retrieved from
https://www.nice.org.uk/
Smith, J. & Harris, L. (2021). Psychological interventions for diabetes self-management:
A review. Health Psychology Review, 15(2), 134–149.
World Health Organization. (202). Diabetes fact sheet.
https://www.who.int/newsroom/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes