Type 2 Diabetes: Questions and Answers
Whether you’re managing type 2 diabetes or simply want to broaden your knowledge about this medical condition, this article will help. It will demystify some of the most common questions about type 2 diabetes and empower readers with type 2 diabetes to take better control of their health.
Let's examine these high-level type 2 diabetes questions and answers to understand what living well with this condition means.
Key Takeaways:
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It develops gradually and is linked to lifestyle factors.
- Regular blood glucose monitoring plays a vital role in diabetes management.
- Untreated type 2 diabetes can lead to health complications.
FAQs About Type 2 Diabetes
Before getting started, it's essential to know that these FAQs provide a general overview of type 2 diabetes. Always seek and request personalized medical advice directly from your physician.
Q: What is type 2 diabetes, and how is it diagnosed?
A: Type 2 diabetes is a medical condition that develops when the body's ability to process sugar (glucose) is impaired. Blood tests such as A1C and fasting blood glucose levels can diagnose it. While some people manage the condition through healthy eating and exercise, others may require medication sometimes including insulin.
Q: How is type 2 different from type 1 diabetes?
A: Type 2 diabetes develops gradually and is linked to lifestyle factors. Type 1 diabetes, however, is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to stop producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy to be managed.
Q: How often do you check your blood glucose with type 2?
A: Regular blood glucose monitoring plays a vital role in diabetes management. Your healthcare provider may advise you to check your blood sugar at different intervals, and the recommended frequency may vary by the individual. Monitoring over time helps an individual with this condition understand their reactions to food, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.
Q: What health problems or complications can type 2 cause?
A: Untreated type 2 diabetes can cause heart disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, loss of vision, and, in extreme cases, limb amputation and other complications. Studies show that controlling blood sugar levels and making healthy choices can help to avoid and reduce these risks.
Q: How is type 2 diabetes treated?
A: It is essential to work one-on-one with your healthcare provider. Treatment for type 2 diabetes can vary depending on the individual's needs and health. Type 2 diabetes treatment may include dietary and exercise changes or insulin.
Q: How common is type 2 diabetes?
A: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 37 million Americans have diabetes (about 1 in 10), and approximately 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes.
Q: Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
A: Type 2 diabetes is not always preventable. However, lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and making mindful decisions about diet and exercise can help lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Importance of Regular Blood Glucose Monitoring
Regular blood glucose monitoring helps individuals with type 2 diabetes understand how their body responds to food, physical activity, and medication.
Regularly checking blood sugar levels provides an individual with valuable insight into the patterns and trends of their glucose levels, which can help guide their daily decisions. It allows people to identify deviations from their target range early, prompting them to make changes and avoid potential complications.
POGO Automatic®: Type 2 Diabetes Questions and Answers
By reviewing these FAQs, you’ve taken an essential step towards understanding type 2 diabetes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Remember that proper diabetes management requires a partnership between you and your healthcare team. If you have pressing questions, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare team for guidance and support.
Also, ask your healthcare team about using the POGO Automatic glucose monitor. POGO Automatic offers a simple, quick, and accurate way to check your blood glucose in a single step. Just load the 10-test cartridge, turn on the monitor, place your finger on the test port, and get fast and accurate results.
The monitor also syncs with the Patterns® for POGO Automatic app via Bluetooth, giving you real-time access to your results, trends, and lifestyle correlations. Set reminders, receive emergency alerts, and share insights with your healthcare team.
Ready to Have Freedom at Your Fingertip?
POGO Automatic is the only FDA-cleared blood glucose monitor that lances and collects blood automatically, in one simple step, with its 10-test cartridge technology, eliminating the need to carry separate lancets and test strips. Reach out today to learn more about how you can check your blood glucose without interrupting your day.
|
Jaclyn OwensJaclyn Owens is a product director specializing in diabetes management tools. She is committed to using technology to empower people with diabetes and help them take control of their health. |
All content on this website is for educational purposes only and does not replace the guidance of your healthcare practitioner. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
PL000398 Rev A
