What is Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body’s ability to regulate glucose (sugar) levels in the blood is impaired. This happens because the pancreas either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body’s cells become resistant to insulin’s effects. Insulin is a crucial hormone that facilitates the movement of glucose from the blood into cells, where it is used as energy. When blood sugar levels remain elevated over time, it can lead to complications affecting the nervous, circulatory, and immune systems, ultimately resulting in type 2 diabetes.

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In Malaysia, approximately 20% of the population lives with diabetes, and this number is anticipated to rise. The increase in type 2 diabetes cases in Malaysia underscores the importance of early detection and management.

If you’re concerned about your risk, use the Diabetes UK risk calculator to assess your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Pre-diabetes and Insulin Resistance

Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. This stage often results from insulin resistance or an insufficient insulin response from the pancreas.

Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells, including those in the liver, muscles, and fat, do not respond adequately to insulin, leading to increased blood sugar levels. Although more people have insulin resistance than type 2 diabetes, recognising its signs early is crucial to prevent the progression to diabetes.

Common Signs of Insulin Resistance:

  • Darkened skin in the armpits or on the back and sides of the neck (acanthosis nigricans)
  • Skin tags, especially in the same areas
  • Early indicators of diabetic eye disease

Serious Health Conditions Associated with Insulin Resistance:

How to Reverse Insulin Resistance

Research has shown that lifestyle changes can significantly reverse insulin resistance. Dr. Gerald Shulman, a Professor of Endocrinology at Yale University and Director of the Yale Diabetes Research Center, highlights that even a 10% reduction in body weight can lead to a marked improvement. Regular exercise is particularly effective as it enhances glucose uptake by muscle cells, bypassing insulin resistance, while also reducing the risk of fatty liver disease and cardiovascular complications.

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Symptoms & Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, making it essential to be vigilant about potential symptoms. Everyone’s experience may vary, but common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Persistent thirst
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Slow-healing cuts or wounds
  • Genital itching or recurrent thrush
  • Blurred vision
  • Increased hunger

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice quickly. You can visit us at our clinic in Petaling Jaya, contact us or book an online appointment with our experienced doctors for a virtual consultation.

Treating Type 2 Diabetes

Managing type 2 diabetes typically involves a combination of a healthy diet and regular physical activity. When blood sugar levels are maintained within a normal range through these methods, diabetes is considered to be in remission.

There are several natural ways to help manage blood glucose levels, including:

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  • Drinking apple cider vinegar
  • Increasing dietary fibre intake
  • Consuming foods high in chromium (e.g., broccoli)
  • Taking chromium picolinate supplements (with medical advice, especially if you have healthy kidneys)
  • Incorporating magnesium-rich foods (such as spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, almonds, yogurt, and black beans)
  • Using zinc supplements (consult your doctor for appropriate dosage)
  • Adding cinnamon to your diet
  • Taking fish oil supplements
  • Using alpha-lipoic acid supplements
  • Trying bitter melon extract

If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to control blood sugar, medication may be necessary. Metformin is often the first-line treatment, but as the condition progresses, insulin therapy or other medications may be required. Our doctors at Klinik Genga will customize your treatment plan to ensure the best possible blood glucose control.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or are concerned about your risk, visit us at our Petaling Jaya branch. At Klinik Genga we take a holistic approach to managing type 2 diabetes, combining conventional medical treatments with natural therapies to support your health and well-being.

If your diabetes has progressed and you are suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer, our services include diabetic foot ulcer debridement where we make every effort to salvage limbs.

Visit Klinik Genga at our Petaling Jaya branch for a walk-in consultation, contact us or make an appointment for an online consultation.