Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is normally associated with weight, where being overweight is considered a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Being overweight is one of the risk factors of diabetes, generally. Studies show that being overweight increases your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. However, if you maintain a healthy weight through exercise and diet, you can prevent diabetes. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, losing weight can help you manage your condition better. Losing up to seven percent of your body weight can reduce your risk of getting diabetes by up to 60 percent. The first step of losing weight is to weigh yourself. Knowing your weight will give you an idea of how much weight you may need to lose. If you want to lose weight, but also want to keep it off, you have to exercise and watch your diet daily. However, before you add exercise into your routine, it is important you discuss it first with your doctor. Depending on your medical condition, they can help you find the right exercise program that is suited for you. If you are overweight, exercising regularly can help you shed weight and help your body use insulin more efficiently. Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose enter the body’s cells to be used or stored for energy. Exercising regularly makes receptor sites outside the body cells more receptive to the effects of insulin.
Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Some people with T2D or pre-diabetes may not develop any signs and symptoms at first. However, in T2D, the symptoms can develop quickly and can be severe.
The following are the signs and symptoms of diabetes.
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Slow healing wounds
If you notice any of the above signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, you should make an appointment to visit your doctor. The earlier you are diagnosed with diabetes, the earlier the treatment can begin.
