A vast majority of individuals with diabetes are categorized as having type 2 diabetes. This chronic condition is caused by an imbalance of insulin in the body, which is a result of the body’s resistance to this particular hormone. Insulin resistance will lead to unregulated levels of sugar in the blood.

The primary care physicians at High Lakes Health Care specialize in managing type 2 diabetes at our offices in Bend. Learn more about type 2 diabetes and call us at (541) 389-7741 to schedule your appointment today.

Who Is at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

A diagnosis of this condition was previously reserved for adults, but in recent years there has been a steady increase in the amount of young adults and children with type 2 diabetes. It is believed that a large contributor to this is the rise in childhood obesity cases within the United States.

There are also certain ethnic groups that are more likely than others to develop type 2 diabetes. These include:

• African Americans
• Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders
• Native Americans
• Latinos

Finally, the elderly population is another demographic at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes as it is not uncommon for the body to have difficulty in managing blood glucose levels as we age.

What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

Many signs of type 2 diabetes can be associated with water retention and hydration of the body. Individuals with this condition will notice that they become thirsty quite often, and will also feel the need to urinate frequently.

Other common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Weakness or exhaustion
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Difficulty healing from small wounds
• Darkened patches of skin that often appear around the neck or armpits
• Blurred vision
• Intensified appetite

Because the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be rather vague, it is not unusual for patients to be diagnosed with this condition until later on when symptoms have worsened. It is incredibly important to seek advice from your physician if you suspect that you may have type 2 diabetes, as leaving the condition untreated can result in permanent damage to the vascular system, kidneys, heart, nervous system, and eyes.

Treatment Options Offered at High Lakes Health Care

Many individuals may be able to manage their type 2 diabetes through proper diet and exercise. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks is one crucial component, but there are also many other factors that can naturally influence your blood glucose levels, such as:

• Consuming natural sugars from fruits rather than from processed products
• Sticking to a regular exercise routine – the more intense the workout, the better
• Decreasing the amount of starch in your diet
• Strictly avoiding fast food that has been deep fried and packed with trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and sodium
• Get moving more often so that you stimulate your circulatory system
• Take active steps toward managing your stress levels, as these can have a significant impact on your blood sugar
• Utilizing all of the suggestions listed above to maintain a healthy weight

Medications for Type 2 Diabetes

If healthy lifestyle choices are not enough to regulate your blood glucose levels, then medications may need to be considered. The particular medication(s) prescribed will vary on a patient-by-patient basis, as each case is quite unique.

Among the most common medications used to help manage symptoms caused by type 2 diabetes are:

• Metformin
• Thiazolidinediones
• Meglitinides
• Sulfonylureas
• Insulin

To speak with your primary care physician about your type 2 diabetes concerns and treatment options, please contact High Lakes Health Care today at (541) 389-7741 to schedule an appointment.