Type 2 Diabetes

As a person with diabetes, swift access to medical advice and appropriate medication is indispensable. Our experienced doctors at our avi practices will discuss with you in your first consultation which symptoms are affecting you and find the right therapy for you. Unlike with type 1 diabetes, your GP is your primary point of contact for type 2 diabetes. Our doctors are your constant companion throughout your entire diabetes treatment and are always there for you.

People with diabetes often suffer from:

• a strong urge to urinate
• constant thirst
• fatigue
• dry skin
• frequent infections
• deteriorating vision
• erectile dysfunction

Unfortunately, the condition can also go undetected for many years. This is a problem, as diabetes can cause long-term health damage through harm to the small and large arteries and nerves. Heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney damage can be the consequences. It is therefore important to detect and treat the condition early in order to prevent long-term damage, particularly to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.

A simple blood test can determine whether the relevant symptoms are in fact attributable to diabetes mellitus. Depending on the type of condition, there are various treatment options.

With type 2 diabetes, it is important to set therapy goals individually. At the start of the condition, it is possible to achieve a great deal through lifestyle adjustments (diet, exercise, stopping smoking). If blood glucose levels remain high despite an improved lifestyle, medication is used depending on age, concurrent conditions, and individual needs.

Always pay attention to the following points:

• A wholesome, high-fibre diet should consist of vegetables, wholegrain products, pulses, salads, good-quality plant-based fats, and some fruit. Carbohydrates with a low glycaemic index are preferable. 30 grams of dietary fibre per day is optimal.
• Consume little animal fat, reduce your meat consumption, and choose fish more frequently.
• Fruits such as grapes, bananas, or mangoes cause blood glucose to rise significantly. Prefer berries here. Combine fruit with yoghurt or quark so that blood glucose rises less sharply. You should enjoy fruit in moderation.
• Allow breaks between meals.
• Drink sufficient fluids. Avoid fruit juices and drink little alcohol.
• Avoid excess weight. Exercise regularly. Run away from diabetes.
• Stop smoking.
• Attend a training programme for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• If on insulin therapy, always carry your blood glucose monitor with you. If your blood glucose level drops sharply, you can counteract this with glucose tablets or a meal. You should check your blood glucose particularly before every car journey. Never drive a motor vehicle with low blood sugar!
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly. This should be within the range of 130/80 mmHg.
• If you have concerns or fears, always speak to the medical team — help is available here too.
• Ask your doctor to enrol you in a disease management programme (DMP). Quarterly check-up appointments are then scheduled as a fixed part of your care.

You can prevent type 2 diabetes! Plenty of exercise and a balanced, healthy diet are the foundation. In addition, you should avoid persistent negative stress, as this causes blood glucose levels to rise and remain consistently elevated.