Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition that can lead to a variety of health problems if it is not managed properly. It is estimated that more than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes, and type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of those cases. While type 2 diabetes can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, it is important to understand the stages of type 2 diabetes in order to recognize when you are at risk for developing more serious complications.
Pre-Diabetes
The first stage of type 2 diabetes is pre-diabetes. This is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. This stage is also known as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. People who are in this stage are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, so it is important to recognize the signs and take action as soon as possible. Some of the signs of pre-diabetes include: being overweight, having high blood pressure, being physically inactive, and having a family history of diabetes.
Prediabetes
The next stage of type 2 diabetes is prediabetes. This is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. People who are in this stage are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, so it is important to recognize the signs and take action as soon as possible. Some of the signs of prediabetes include: being overweight, having high blood pressure, being physically inactive, and having a family history of diabetes.
Diabetes Diagnosis
The third stage of type 2 diabetes is when a diagnosis is made. This is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, and you are officially diagnosed with diabetes. Your doctor will likely order tests to determine your A1C level, which is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. If your A1C level is at or above 6.5 percent, then you are considered to have type 2 diabetes.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes
The fourth stage of type 2 diabetes is managing the condition. This can include a variety of lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking medications as prescribed. It is also important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and to see your doctor regularly for checkups. By making these changes, you can help to manage your type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing serious complications.
Complications
The fifth and final stage of type 2 diabetes is when complications start to develop. Some of the complications that can occur due to type 2 diabetes include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, nerve damage, and amputation. It is important to work with your doctor to manage your type 2 diabetes and to recognize any signs of complications so that you can take action to prevent them.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition that can lead to a variety of health problems. It is important to understand the stages of type 2 diabetes in order to recognize when you are at risk for developing more serious complications. By making lifestyle changes and taking medications as prescribed, you can help to manage your type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing serious complications.