Did you know…?
Approximately 358,000 of Singapore’s Population suffers from Type 2 diabetes.*
In prediabetes — which can lead to type 2 diabetes — and in type 2 diabetes, your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, and your pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to overcome this resistance. Instead of moving into your cells where it’s needed for energy, sugar builds up in your bloodstream.
Exactly why this happens is uncertain, although it’s believed that genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes too. Being overweight is strongly linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, but not everyone with type 2 is overweight.
Researchers don’t fully understand why some people develop prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and others don’t. It’s clear that certain factors increase the risk, however, including:
Weight
The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your cells become to insulin.
Inactivity
The less active you are, the greater your risk. Physical activity helps you control your weight, uses up glucose as energy and makes your cells more sensitive to insulin.
Family History
Your risk increases if a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes.
Race or Ethnicity
Although it’s unclear why, certain people — including Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian American people — are at higher risk.
Age
Your risk increases as you get older. This may be because you tend to exercise less, lose muscle mass and gain weight as you age. But type 2 diabetes is also increasing among children, adolescents and younger adults.
Gestational Diabetes
If you developed gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, your risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes increases. If you gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (4 kilograms), you’re also at risk of type 2 diabetes.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
For women, having polycystic ovary syndrome — a common condition characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity — increases the risk of diabetes.
High blood pressure.
Having blood pressure over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Abnormal Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels.
If you have low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol, your risk of type 2 diabetes is higher. Triglycerides are another type of fat carried in the blood. People with high levels of triglycerides have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Your doctor can let you know what your cholesterol and triglyceride levels are.
Diabetes increases the risk of stroke, heart disease & kidney damage. It can also cause restricted blood flow and increases risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Symptoms vary depending on how much your blood sugar is elevated. Some people, especially those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, may sometimes not experience symptoms.
Some of the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there’s not enough available insulin)
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections
Resistance Training can help in the prevention and reversal of prediabetes, and to manage diabetes.
Our muscles use glucose for energy, and this helps to regulate glucose levels in the body. Muscles deteriorate with age, and we won’t be able to utilize the glucose in our bodies efficiently. Resistance training helps to prevent muscle loss and helps to build muscle mass Hence, we must engage in regular resistance training.
At Fitness Factory, medical history and lifestyle habits are just some of the factors we look into when we design your resistance training plan. Contact us to arrange for a private consultation today!
References:
Forecasting the burden of type 2 diabetes in Singapore using a demographic epidemiological model of Singapore
https://drc.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000012
Diabetes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444
The Straits Times – Parliament: 19,000 diagnosed with diabetes yearly, more expected to be diagnosed in short term, says MOH
