Type 2 diabetes changes how your body regulates sugar and converts it into energy. More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and right now, there’s no cure for the condition.
You probably have many questions if you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. What does a diabetes diagnosis mean for my health? What are my diabetes treatment options? Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed?
Diabetes isn’t reversible, but proactive care is essential — and remission is possible for some people. Our team at Medical Associates Of North Texas specializes in diabetes management in Fort Worth, Texas, and we’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know.
Your body uses sugar (glucose) as fuel. Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas that moves sugar from your blood into your cells for energy, but Type 2 diabetes interferes with this process.
When you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, and your cells become less sensitive to insulin. Without insulin, your body can’t convert sugar from food into energy. The sugar stays in your blood, and your blood sugar levels go up.
High blood sugar is dangerous because it damages your nerves over time. Type 2 diabetes puts you at risk of complications, such as heart disease, nerve damage, vision loss, and slow-healing wounds.
Although Type 2 diabetes can’t be cured, it can be managed. Managing your diabetes means controlling your blood sugar to limit the damage it causes in your body.
About 96 million Americans have a condition called prediabetes. Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are high but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Unlike Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes can be reversed. If you’re diagnosed with prediabetes, lifestyle changes — like eating a healthy diet, exercising, and losing excess weight — can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and related complications.
If you have prediabetes, taking action now can help you avoid a diabetes diagnosis later. Talk to our team to find out that making healthy changes and achieving a healthier weight can lower your risk of getting diabetes.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, proactively managing your health is the best way to control your blood sugar and limit diabetes-related complications. We take a comprehensive approach to diabetes care by tailoring your treatment plan to match your health needs.
Your diabetes management plan may include:
The goal of diabetes treatment is to control your blood sugar long-term. Because high blood sugar is linked to complications like heart disease and nerve damage, managing your blood sugar is the best way to protect your health throughout your life.
For some people, Type 2 diabetes remission is possible. Remission doesn’t mean that their diabetes is cured, but it does mean their blood sugar levels are within the nondiabetic range without medication.
Remission is relatively rare, and it usually occurs with significant, sustained weight loss. If you’re curious about the possibility of diabetes remission, talk to our team to learn more.
A diabetes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you’re not out of options. Call 972-433-7178 to book an appointment or send us a message to learn more about diabetes management at Medical Associates Of North Texas.
