Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels, or when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.

Causes and Risk Factors

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including:

• Insulin resistance: When the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter the cells.
• Impaired insulin secretion: When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs.
• Genetics: Having a family history of type 2 diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after the age of 45.
• Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and American Indians, are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may develop gradually over time and can include:

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing of cuts and wounds
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
• Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Diagnosis

Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed using one or more of the following tests:

• Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test: Measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): Measures blood glucose levels after consuming a sugary drink.
• Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test: Measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.

Treatments

The primary goals of type 2 diabetes treatment are to:

• Control blood sugar levels
• Prevent complications, such as heart disease and kidney damage
• Improve quality of life

Treatment options for type 2 diabetes include:

• Lifestyle modifications:
  • Healthy eating: Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Regular physical activity: Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
  • Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise.
• Medications:
  • Metformin: A first-line medication that helps improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose production in the liver.
  • Sulfonylureas: Stimulate insulin release from the pancreas.
  • Meglitinides: Stimulate insulin release from the pancreas.
  • Thiazolidinediones: Improve insulin sensitivity.
  • DPP-4 inhibitors: Help improve insulin secretion and reduce glucose production in the liver.
  • SGLT2 inhibitors: Help reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidneys.
• Insulin therapy: May be necessary for some people with type 2 diabetes, especially if other treatments are not effective or if blood sugar levels are very high.

Complications

If left untreated or poorly managed, type 2 diabetes can lead to a range of complications, including:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Kidney damage (nephropathy)
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Eye damage (retinopathy)
• Foot damage (ulcers, infections)
• Hearing loss
• Cognitive impairment

Prevention

While there is no sure way to prevent type 2 diabetes, the following steps can help reduce the risk:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a balanced diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Not smoking
• Limits alcohol consumption
• Getting enough sleep
• Managing stress