Type 2 Diabetes Treated by Mercy’s Diabetes Doctors in Baltimore
Type 2 diabetes, along with Type 1 and gestational diabetes, is a condition diagnosed and treated by endocrinologists at The Center for Endocrinology at Mercy in Baltimore, Maryland. Our expert endocrinologists work with diabetes educators to help patients manage their diabetes and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which insulin is resisted by the body. Insulin moves blood sugar, or glucose, from the blood stream into the body’s cells where the glucose is stored for energy. When the cells reject the insulin, known as insulin resistance, the blood sugar builds up in the blood. These high glucose levels cause signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as adult onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes. However, Type 2 diabetes is occurring more often in children as young as 10 due to increased obesity in children. Type 2 diabetes does not have a cure, but can be managed by keeping blood sugar levels as normal as possible.
Signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes develop slowly. Risk factors for developing signs of Type 2 diabetes include:
- Being overweight
- Not exercising
- Family history of diabetes
- History of gestational diabetes or of a having a baby over 9 pounds at birth
- High blood pressure
- Ethnicity
- Increased age
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss, even with regular eating
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Slow healing wounds and frequent infections
- Darkened skin
Endocrinologists specializing in diabetes diagnose Type 2 diabetes by using an oral glucose tolerance test or various blood tests, including:
- Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C) test, used to determine average blood glucose levels
- Random blood sugar test
- Fasting blood sugar test
Treatment for Type 2 diabetes involves maintaining a healthy blood sugar level and preventing any complications. Patients with Type 2 diabetes regularly visit an endocrinologist specializing in diabetes, as well as diabetes educators who will help them maintain healthy blood glucose levels. During these appointments, the endocrinologist will check blood and urine samples, as well as check the thyroid, kidney and liver for any complications.
To help keep blood glucose at a normal level, it is important for patients with Type 2 diabetes to:
- Eat healthy
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
Some patients with Type 2 diabetes may need oral medications or insulin to best control their blood sugar levels.