Imagine living with a disease that touches every aspect of your life. A disease that not only affects your physical health but also your emotional well-being, relationships, and even day-to-day activities. This is the reality for millions of people around the world who are living with type 2 diabetes.
While various treatments are available for managing this chronic condition, one particular hormone plays a crucial role in keeping blood sugar levels in check – insulin.
Let’s learn more about type 2 diabetes, the different treatment options available for type 2 diabetes, and the role of insulin in type 2 diabetes.
Understanding Basics of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose, the main type of sugar in your blood. In type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
How Does the Body Normally Use Glucose?
When you eat food, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. This glucose enters your bloodstream, and your pancreas produces insulin.
Think of insulin as a key. This ‘key’ unlocks your cells to let in glucose, which they then use for energy. Any extra glucose is stored in your liver for later use.
What Happens in Type 2 Diabetes?
In type 2 diabetes, the ‘locks’ on your cells become rusty due to insulin resistance. This means the ‘key’ (insulin) has trouble unlocking the cell to let glucose in.
As a result, less glucose gets into the cells, and more stays in your bloodstream. Your pancreas tries to solve this problem by making more insulin to help glucose enter your cells. But over time, it can’t keep up and fails to make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.
This leaves more glucose circulating in your blood, leading to high blood sugar levels, a hallmark of diabetes type 2.
Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes
Effective management of type 2 diabetes often involves lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes insulin therapy.
Lifestyle Changes
This typically involves a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. These changes can help lower your blood sugar levels and improve your body’s response to insulin.
Medications
Some people with type 2 diabetes may need medication to help manage their blood sugar levels. These drugs work in various ways, such as stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin or helping your body use insulin more effectively.
Insulin Therapy
If lifestyle changes and oral medications aren’t enough to control blood sugar, insulin therapy may be necessary. This involves injecting insulin to help regulate blood glucose levels.
Role of Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It allows your body to use sugar (glucose) from carbohydrates in the food that you eat for energy or to store glucose for future use. This hormone helps keep your blood sugar level from getting too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).
Types of Insulin Injections
Fortunately, several types of insulin can help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. These include rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulin – each works differently and has its own benefits and drawbacks.
- Rapid-acting insulin starts working within minutes after injection and peaks in about an hour. It is usually taken before meals to help control blood sugar spikes after eating.
- Short-acting insulin takes effect within half an hour after injection and peaks in two to three hours. It is also taken before meals but lasts longer than rapid-acting insulin.
- Intermediate-acting insulin takes longer to start working (two to four hours) but lasts longer (up to 12 to 18 hours). It is usually taken once or twice a day and is often used with rapid or short-acting insulin.
- Long-acting insulin takes the longest to start working (two hours) but lasts up to 24 hours. It is also taken once or twice a day and provides basal insulin levels.
Diabetes Type 2 in Desoto, TX
At Pivot Healthcare Company, we have a team of skilled professionals led by Nurse Practitioner Crystal Capler, who is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for chronic health conditions like diabetes type 2.
With our focus on preventive care, we aim to identify potential health concerns before they escalate into more serious issues. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes lifestyle modifications, medication management, and regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels.
To learn more about us or the service we offer, please call today at (214) 242-9316. You may also use our online appointment request form to schedule your visit. We look forward to serving you!
