Type 2 diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, your body does not produce enough insulin or responds less well to insulin. This form of diabetes is the most common and occurs in all ages. Read more about what type 2 diabetes is, how you can improve your blood glucose levels yourself and what we do to help you.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes means your body doesn’t respond well to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. It’s increasingly common at younger ages, often linked to lifestyle, though not always. The pancreas produces less insulin over time, worsening the condition. Without treatment, high blood sugar can cause complications. Some people can manage or even reverse symptoms through major lifestyle changes.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Infections
- Very thirsty
- Urinate a lot
- Bladder infections or urinary tract infections
Do you think you have diabetes?
Then go to the doctor. The doctor will prick a drop of blood and measure your blood glucose level. If it is higher than 11 mmol/l (millimol per liter of blood), a second 'fasting' measurement is required. For this you are not allowed to eat or drink eight hours in advance. If the value is higher than 6 mmol/l, you have diabetes.
Treatment
The goal is to get your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Treatment often consists of:
- Adjusting your diet: healthy and often less carbohydrates.
- Excercise more.
- Medication: often first tablets or insulin.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Lower your cholesterol levels.
- Lower your blood pressure.
Because the amount of insulin in your body decreases slowly, you have to adjust the treatment regularly.
How do you stay healthy if you have type 2 diabetes?
If you have type 2 diabetes, you can do a lot yourself to improve your blood glucose levels. Exercise regularly and don't eat too many carbohydrates. You experience the benefits almost immediately: your blood glucose levels drop and you are fitter.
The most important advices are:
1. Eat good quality food
Think of vegetables, fruit, nuts, legumes, whole-grain products such as whole-wheat bread and whole-wheat pasta, olive oil.
2. Limit Free Sugars
Free sugars are sugars that are added to foods. For example on cakes, biscuits, soft drinks. But honey and fruit juices are also free sugars. So limit this food and drink.
3. Choose monounsaturated fat
Saturated fat in dairy products, such as yogurt or cottage cheese, is not a bad thing. It is better to limit the saturated fat in meat, meat products, biscuits, snacks, sauces and ready meals. Opt for monounsaturated fat instead. This is found in olive oil, rapeseed oil, rice oil and nuts. This can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Lose Weight: Eat Less Carbs
Eating less carbohydrates often gives good results for weight, blood glucose levels and blood vessels.
Do you want to adjust your diet? Then discuss this with your doctor. Together you determine what is the best way for you and whether you need to adjust your medication. Your GP can also refer you to a dietician.
Why is exercise good?
Moving is healthy. Regular exercise improves your blood glucose levels structurally. Sometimes medication is no longer necessary. Moving for half an hour every day is good for you.
- Your blood glucose goes down.
- You become more sensitive to insulin again.
- You have more energy.
- You are working on a healthy body and you may lose weight.
- You reduce the risk of complications.
- Improve your cholesterol levels.
- You stimulate blood circulation.
- It has a beneficial effect on kidney function, fat percentage and blood pressure.
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