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Expert Video: What is type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes experts discuss type 2 diabetes, a lifelong condition in which there is an elevated level of sugar (glucose) in the blood caused by resistance of the body’s tissues to the action of the hormone insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the body becomes resistant to the insulin it makes and cannot use it the right way. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as fuel by the cells in our body.
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Expert Video: Difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
In this video, diabetes experts explain the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. As a result, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood and cannot enter the cells to be used for energy. The experts also highlight the critical importance of monitoring and treating type 1 diabetes.
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Expert Video: Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Experts in diabetes discuss the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Some patients may not realize they have type 2 diabetes because they may have no active symptoms, or their symptoms may develop very slowly. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination and blurry eyesight caused by chemical imbalances in the blood due to high levels of blood sugar. Over time, complications may include numbness, burning sensations in the feet, and eye problems.
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Expert Video: Who is at risk for type 2 diabetes? Who should be screened?
In this video, diabetes experts discuss the factors that may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the importance of early screening. Risk factors include being overweight and inactive, age, family history of diabetes, and certain high-risk populations. About one in four people with type 2 diabetes are unaware that they have the disease.
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Expert Video: What is prediabetes?
Experts in diabetes talk about prediabetes and how it is measured. Prediabetes refers to blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Having prediabetes puts you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
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Expert Video: What problems can occur with type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes experts explain the microvascular (small) and macrovascular (large) vessel complications that can occur in type 2 diabetes. Damage to the micro blood vessels can cause vision problems including loss of sight, nerve damage, and kidney disease. Damage to the macro blood vessels can cause cardiovascular complications such as heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and poor blood circulation to the peripheral limbs, such as the hands and feet.
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Expert Video: Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
In this video, diabetes experts discuss various modifiable risk factors that can be managed to help in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. This includes managing body weight, increasing physical activity, reducing stress, getting enough sleep and following a balanced diet. Studies show that diet and exercise are powerful interventions in preventing type 2 diabetes.
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Expert Video: Can diabetes be cured?
Presently in medicine, diabetes is not a curable disease. In type 1 diabetes, patients need lifelong insulin treatment to keep their blood sugars in normal range to avoid complications. In type 2 diabetes, studies suggest that in the very early stages of the disease it can be reversed with a strict calorie diet. But once type 2 diabetes is well established, it cannot be completely cured. Type 2 diabetes patients need to keep their blood sugars in normal range by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking their medications on a regular basis to avoid long-term complications.
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Expert Video: How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
Diabetes experts describe the laboratory tests used to diagnose type 2 diabetes, and how these tests are interpreted. These tests include the fasting blood glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test and hemoglobin A1c test. It is important for timely diagnosis of type 2 diabetes as it has no symptoms in its early stages. Furthermore, patients living with diabetes should understand what an A1c test is, and set goals to stay within the target range that is right for them.
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Expert Video: Monitoring type 2 diabetes
Experts in diabetes discuss the importance of monitoring type 2 diabetes and self-management. Patients need to know how to monitor and keep their blood sugars within normal range, how and when to take medications, and how to manage diet and physical activity levels. The experts highlight the importance of regular physical checkups, as well as eye and feet examinations.
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Expert Video: Which other health care providers help monitor type 2 diabetes?
In this video, diabetes experts discuss the importance of other health care providers that patients with type 2 diabetes should see to help monitor and manage their disease. This includes regular examinations and preventative care by an ophthalmologist, podiatrist, or even a wound care specialist to help prevent or reduce complications of type 2 diabetes.
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Expert Video: Importance of controlling blood pressure and cholesterol in type 2 diabetes
Diabetes experts explain that type 2 diabetes care is not only about keeping blood sugars in normal range, but also about keeping blood pressure and cholesterol on target. Controlling blood pressure and maintaining cholesterol at normal levels is critically important in order to minimize the risk of vascular damage.
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Expert Video: What oral medications are used to treat type 2 diabetes?
Experts provide simple, understandable explanations about the different oral medications that are available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They discuss the major classes of drugs and modes of action. Twenty years ago, insulin was the main treatment for diabetes. We now have a large number of classes of drugs for diabetes that can often be used together for the benefit of patients.
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Expert Video: Different types of insulin and how they are used
Experts discuss the various types of insulin and the merits of insulin as a life-saving diabetes treatment. Insulin is a safe and effective medication which can help patients with diabetes achieve their glycemic goals. Insulin has saved millions of lives since its introduction in 1921. Type 1 diabetes patients need insulin.
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Expert Video: Is diet and exercise effective for type 2 diabetes treatment?
Diet and exercise are the most effective and important interventions for type 2 diabetes - in most cases. Type 2 diabetes can be reversed by healthy diet and exercise in some cases. All other treatments including pills and insulin and other injectables have a supporting role and should be used in conjunction to diet and exercise. Medications prescribed for type 2 diabetes require that patients also adhere to diet and exercise.
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Expert Video: Alternative medicine or supplements for type 2 diabetes treatment
Following a healthy diet is always beneficial for patients with diabetes. Until such time as good evidence provides clear direction on dietary supplements, or organizations (such as the American Diabetes Association) provide clear authorization on alternative medicines and supplements, the benefits of such agents remain unproven.
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