1. When the body “resists” itself: what is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes (also known as type 2 diabetes mellitus) is a chronic medical condition that disrupts the body's ability to use and store energy. Specifically:

• Sugar (Glucose)is the primary fuel source for every cell.
• Insulinis a hormone produced by the pancreas, which acts as a “key” to open the door for sugar to pass from the blood into the cells.
• In people with type 2 diabetes, the body experiences a condition called insulin resistance(cells do not respond well to insulin) and over time, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar.

If not well controlled, prolonged high blood sugar can cause many serious complications.

2. Don't Get Confused: How Are Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Different?

These are two main forms of the disease with different causes:

• Type 1 diabetes:The body stops producing insulin because the immune system mistakenly attacks pancreatic cells. usually begins in children and adolescents, but can also occur in adults.
• Type 2 diabetes:The body still produces insulin but does not use it effectively (insulin resistance). This is the most common form, accounting for about 90% cases.

3. Who is susceptible? – Identifying risk factors

Type 2 diabetes is thought to be caused by a combination of factors:

• Hereditary:If a parent or sibling has the disease, your risk is higher. Certain ethnic groups, such as Asians, African Americans, and Hispanics, are also at higher risk.
• Lifestyle:Unhealthy diet (high in sugar, fat, low in fiber), lack of physical activity leading to overweight and obesity are major risk factors.
• History of gestational diabetes:Women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

4. Your body is "speaking up": Warning signs you need to pay attention to

• Many people have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, signs may appear such as:
  • Thirst a lot, frequent urination.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Tired, lethargic.
  • Slow healing wound
• Doctors rely on the following blood tests to diagnose the disease and may repeat them several times to confirm:
  • Fasting blood sugar:≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L).
  • Random blood sugar:≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) with symptoms.
  • HbA1c (Test reflects average blood sugar over 3 months):≥ 6.5%.
  • Oral glucose tolerance test:≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) at 2 hours.

Note: These values are for reference only according to the Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. Diagnosis must be performed and confirmed by a physician.

5. Living Positively: The Journey to Controlling Diabetes Is Not Difficult

Managing type 2 diabetes is not a stressful battle, but a journey where you learn to be more intimate with and listen to your body. You can live a happy and healthy life thanks to a combination of these simple solutions:

• Eat Smart – Delicious and Healthy:Don't feel like you have to give up all your favorite foods. See this as an opportunity to explore new, healthier foods.
  • Prioritize fiber:Increase green vegetables and low-sugar fruits (like guava, apple, grapefruit) in every meal. Fiber helps sugar enter the blood more slowly and steadily.
  • Choose good starch:Prioritize whole grains such as brown rice, rye bread, oats. The most important thing is to eat in moderation. and divide meals during the day.
  • Limit “bad” sugar:Minimize soda, candy, and sugary drinks. Get in the habit of reading nutrition labels before you buy.
• Gentle exercise – A joy every day:You don't need to train like an athlete. Just do some light, healthy activities.
  • Walk:Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day is a great way to help your body use sugar more efficiently.
  • Gardening, cleaning the house:These seemingly small tasks also help burn significant energy.
  • Dance, yoga:Relaxing and good for your health.
• Use medicine properly – A reliable companion:When lifestyle changes aren't enough, oral or injectable medications can be a great help. Make them a part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth or washing your face. Strictly follow your doctor's instructions., do not stop taking the medicine or change the dose on your own.
• Monitor yourself – Know yourself to control your disease:
  • Self-monitoring of blood sugar:This is the most direct way to know how your body reacts to food and activities. Consider it a good habit to adjust in time.
  • Periodic re-examination:This is an opportunity for doctors to evaluate the overall effectiveness of treatment (through the HbA1c index) and promptly detect any abnormalities.

6. Prolonged high blood sugar: unpredictable consequences for health

Prolonged high blood sugar can damage many organs, leading to:

• Cardiovascular complications:Heart attack, stroke.
• Renal complications:Kidney failure.
• Eye complications:Reduced vision, blindness.
• Neurological complications:Numbness and ulcers in the feet.
• Other complications:Infection.

Important advice:

Although it is a chronic disease, with understanding and active management, people with type 2 diabetes can live healthy, active lives and significantly reduce the risk of complications. Be proactive in seeking information from reliable sources such as Vietnam Ministry of Health, Vietnam Endocrinology and Diabetes Association, or other medical facilities have reputation.