Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and impaired insulin secretion. It is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90% of all diabetes cases.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Insulin resistance: The body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.
• Impaired insulin secretion: The pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs.
• Genetics: Family history and genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Obesity: Excess weight, particularly around the abdominal area, increases the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development of insulin resistance and 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.
• Pregnancy: Women who have had gestational diabetes or have given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms

• Increased thirst and urination: High blood sugar levels can cause the kidneys to produce more urine, leading to frequent urination and dehydration.
• Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause the lens in the eye to swell, affecting vision.
• Fatigue: High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue, weakness, and a lack of energy.
• Cuts or wounds that are slow to heal: High blood sugar levels can affect the body's ability to heal wounds.
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, causing tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet.

Diagnosis

Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed using one of the following methods:

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

Treatment and Management

The primary goals of type 2 diabetes treatment are to:

• Control blood sugar levels: Through diet, exercise, and medication, if necessary.
• Prevent complications: Such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage.

Treatment options may include:

• Lifestyle modifications: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight loss, and stress management.
• Medications: Oral medications or injectable therapies to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce glucose production in the liver, or increase insulin secretion.
• Insulin therapy: In some cases, insulin injections may be necessary to control blood sugar levels.

Complications

If left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can lead to a range of complications, including:

• Cardiovascular disease: High blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
• Kidney damage: Diabetic nephropathy, which can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or transplantation.
• Nerve damage: Diabetic neuropathy, which can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hands and feet.
• Eye damage: Diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness if left untreated.
• Foot damage: Diabetic foot ulcers, which can lead to amputation if left untreated.

Prevention

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent type 2 diabetes, the following lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Through a combination of diet and exercise.
• Eating a balanced diet: Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Engaging in regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
• Getting enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
• Managing stress: Through techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Type 2 diabetes mellitus?
A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion.

What are the common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?
Increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts and wounds, and tingling or numbness in hands and feet.

What are the risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes?
Obesity, physical inactivity, family history, age, ethnicity, history of gestational diabetes or delivering a baby over 4kg, and certain medical conditions such as hypertension and dyslipidemia.

How is Type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
Through blood tests, including fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test.

What are the treatment options for Type 2 diabetes?
Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, and medications, including metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin therapy, which may be used alone or in combination.

Can Type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Possibly, through maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a balanced diet, although genetic and other factors may still contribute to development.

What are the potential complications of Type 2 diabetes?
Cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, eye damage, foot damage, and increased risk of infections and cognitive decline.

How often should individuals with Type 2 diabetes monitor their blood sugar levels?
Typically, at least once a day, but frequency may vary depending on treatment plan, medication regimen, and individual factors.

Can individuals with Type 2 diabetes still consume sugar and carbohydrates?
In moderation, as part of a balanced diet, although it is generally recommended to limit intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates.

Is there a cure for Type 2 diabetes?
Currently, no known cure exists, but the condition can be managed through lifestyle modifications and medical treatment, with some individuals able to achieve remission.