Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into glucose (sugar) for your cells to use for energy. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use its own insulin as well as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy.
When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much glucose stays in your blood. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems.
The exact causes of type 2 diabetes are complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the key contributors include:
- Obesity: Being overweight is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, leads to insulin resistance, making it difficult for the body to utilize insulin effectively.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the development of insulin resistance.
- Unhealthy Diet: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and sugary beverages increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A diet lacking in fiber-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains negatively affects blood sugar control.
- Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Having a close relative with the condition increases the likelihood of developing it.
- Age: Pancreatic functions diminish with age and therefore that as they get older, people can develop Type 2 Diabetes symptoms.
The symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes can be mild or even non-existent at first. There may be no symptoms and you may not be aware of the condition until you have a health problem such as a heart attack or stroke. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Frequent urination: Increased blood sugar levels lead to excess glucose in the urine, causing frequent urination.
- Increased thirst: Frequent urination can cause dehydration, leading to increased thirst.
- Dry mouth: High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration, leading to a dry mouth sensation.
- Increased hunger: Insufficient insulin or insulin resistance can result in increased hunger, even after eating.
- Unexplained weight loss: Despite increased hunger, weight loss can occur due to the body’s inability to properly utilize glucose for energy.
- Fatigue: The body’s inability to utilize glucose for energy can result in persistent fatigue and lack of energy.
- Irritability: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect mood stability, leading to increased irritability.
- Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can affect the lens of the eye, causing blurred vision.
- Slow healing: Wounds, cuts, and infections take longer to heal.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet: Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, resulting in numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but losing weight, eating healthy foods, and being active can really help. If diet and exercise are not enough to manage your blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe medication. Holistic treatments focus on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of the disease. They include:
- Diet and nutrition: Eating a healthy diet is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. A healthy diet should be low in sugar and carbohydrates, and high in fiber. Focus on consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and avoiding processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages.
- Exercise: Exercise is another important part of managing and reducing the risk of developing the condition. Exercise helps to lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and help with weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with strength training exercises.
- Stress management: Stress can contribute to high blood sugar levels. Finding ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises, can help to improve blood sugar control.
- Supplements: Taking supplements, such as chromium, magnesium, or alpha-lipoic acid, can help to improve blood sugar control. Herbal remedies, such as Irish moss (a form of seaweed) or bitter melon, can also help. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or herbal remedies, as some may interact with your medications.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been found to help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. Acupuncture sessions should be performed by trained practitioners and may be used in conjunction with other treatment approaches.
- Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitor blood sugar levels to track progress and identify patterns. This helps in making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan and maintaining optimal control.
By using the VELL Holistic App, you can have access to a variety of tools and resources that can help manage your condition in a holistic way.
By providing nutrition and supplements advice, exercise tracking, blood glucose monitoring, and stress management tools, VELL can help improve your overall health and well-being, reduce symptoms, and promote healthy habits that can help you live a happier, healthier life.
However, it’s important to note that the app should not replace medical advice or treatment, and you should always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.