Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Early Detection And Lifestyle Changes

Published on: 27th February 2025
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Nigora Rahmatova

Nurse at home checking blood sugar levels of a patient

About Type 2 Diabetes: Early Detection, Prevention And Treatment

Diabetes is a common cause of global concern with an alarming number of people getting affected by it year-on-year. When your body is unable to respond to the insulin it is producing or when your body fails to produce enough insulin, you get diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. This causes the blood glucose in your bloodstream to shoot up to alarming levels as it is the insulin’s responsibility to send glucose to all your cells. As your body continues to resist insulin, there is additional pressure on your pancreas to make more of the insulin that the body cells need for the sake of energy. In the long run, this imbalance also damages the cells in the pancreas.

Many patients with Type 2 diabetes share that timely and early diabetes detection has helped them course correct their inactive lifestyles and lead healthier lives with proper dietary changes under the medical supervision of the doctors treating them. Type 2 diabetes, if not managed with corrective health measures, can affect several organs like your heart, kidneys, and eyes.

Here lies the most important question: How to detect if you have diabetes? Type 2 diabetes symptoms can remain unnoticed in many individuals, till their severity increases to a significant level. These symptoms can be extremely mild and may develop only with time. If you are experiencing unexplained fatigue, frequent urination, increased hunger, excessive thirst, low energy, blurred vision, and sudden weight loss, it’s important to get tested for Type 2 diabetes.

Nurse at home checking blood sugar levels of a elderly women

Eating Right, Managing Better: Foods To Eat, Foods To Avoid In Type 2 Diabetes

When you eat right, you are enabling your body to make better use of the insulin that it produces or which is made available to it through external sources. Speak to your doctor to create a customized diabetes-friendly diet plan based on your individual health parameters like weight, age, medical history and blood sugar balance that’s required to be achieved.

So what are some superfoods that can help lower the blood sugar levels in your body? Take the first step towards diabetes control by adding these foods to your plate –

  • Fiber-rich foods
  • Good fats (but in limits)
  • Fatty fish 
  • Eggs
  • Healthy carbohydrates
  • Non-starchy vegetables
  • Plant-based proteins
  • Fruits with low glycemic load

Diabetes testing strips used with a glucose meter
Eating right also means skipping those foods that could be dangerous for you and your diabetes. Here are some of those –
  • Trans fat sources
  • High-fat products
  • Sugary beverages
  • Artificially sweetened fruits
  • Processed meats
  • Foods rich in sodium
  • Highly processed starches
  • Less-healthy proteins
Apart from the above, your doctor can guide you further regarding the meal timings to be followed, portion size for each meal, recommended calorie intake, and the nutrients you are deficient in as per your test reports. Call your doctor for more information on specialized diabetes diet strategies like the carb counting, glycemic index tool, plate method etc.
Nurse at home checking patient for diabetes care
In order to effectively manage and control your Type 2 diabetes, start by eating in the right proportions. Control your nighttime cravings, avoid junk foods, count your calories in a day, be more aware of your carbohydrate intake, add more vegetables – rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates – like broccoli, carrots, green peas, corn and tomatoes to your daily diet that can help in weight loss, reduce your habit of overeating, self-check your blood sugar levels regularly, follow diabetes medication without fail, lead an active life that has time for exercising daily, good rest and sleep, walking, and finally, learn to making healthier choices.

Type 2 diabetes Symptoms can vary from person to person, but recognizing them early can help in timely intervention and management.

Type 2 diabetes can be very well managed with medication, lifestyle changes and dietary regulations. It is often preventable and treatable. Over the years, some patients have also reversed it. However, in many people, Type 2 diabetes when left uncontrolled, has only led to severe health complications like heart attacks, kidney failure, permanent blindness, strokes, limb amputation, nerve damage, blood vessel damage, skin problems, slow healing and more dangerous conditions. Type 2 diabetes Symptoms often go unnoticed in the early stages, which is why regular screening and self-awareness are crucial. People who are obese, and are leading a sedentary life, with a family history of diabetes running in the household and have underlying health problems, are at a higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

Nurse giving insulin shot to an senior women
First Response Healthcare is a JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited doctor on call service provider in Dubai. With all their doctors DHA-licensed, you get not just certified medical staff in 30 minutes at your doorstep, but also experienced and expert healthcare professionals offering full body checkups at home, PCR tests, homecare nursing, home doctor services, physiotherapy on call, standby ambulance, a pediatrician at home, with 365 days, 24X7 availability. Book your appointment today to get a personalized diabetes management consultation for you and your loved ones! Want to know more about diabetes through such useful blogs from our in-house experts? Then, read the following related articles:

Disclaimer: This content piece is no substitute for direct medical advice. The purpose and intent of this blog is just to impart knowledge, share general tips and spread awareness about health. It is not a replacement to any medical consultation provided by professionals. First Response Healthcare strictly recommends reaching out to qualified healthcare providers and medical experts for personalized advice and further information.

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