Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), an important source of fuel for your body. With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, but it’s become more common in children and teens over the years, largely due to the rise in childhood obesity.
While there’s no cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be managed by keeping blood glucose levels within a target range, which can be done by monitoring one’s diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and possibly incorporating medication or insulin therapy if suggested by a healthcare professional. Regular blood sugar monitoring and regular visits to a doctor are also crucial in managing type 2 diabetes. It’s a serious health condition and if it isn’t managed properly, it can lead to further complications like heart disease, nerve damage, kidney damage and eye damage among others.
Causes of Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body’s main source of fuel. Here are the main causes of type 2 diabetes:
1. Insulin Resistance: This is the most common cause of type 2 diabetes. Your pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to be used as energy. With insulin resistance, your cells aren’t able to use insulin effectively, which causes your blood sugar levels to increase.
2. Overweight/Obesity: Excess fat, particularly if stored around the abdomen, makes your cells more resistant to the effects of the insulin realized by your pancreas. This leads to higher blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
3. Lack of Exercise: Physical activity has many benefits, one of which is that it helps you control your weight and uses up glucose as energy, making your cells more sensitive to insulin.
4. Unhealthy Diet: A diet that’s high in unhealthy fats, sugars, calories and low in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
5. Genetics: Certain genes that affect insulin production or function increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
6. Age and Race: Although the reason is unclear, people of certain races (including black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian-American people) are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white people are. Additionally, the risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 45.
7. Prediabetes: This is a condition where the blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Without lifestyle changes, people with prediabetes could progress to type 2 diabetes.
8. Gestational Diabetes: If you developed gestational diabetes while pregnant, you and your child are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Risk Factors of Type 2 diabetes
Here are some of the common risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes:
1. Overweight or Obesity: The more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant your cells become to insulin.
2. Inactivity: Physical activity helps control weight, uses up glucose as energy, and makes your cells more sensitive to insulin.
3. Family History: Your risk increases if a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes.
4. Race or Ethnicity: Certain groups, including people of African, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Island, and Asian descent, are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes.
5. Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases as you get older, particularly after age 45.
6. Prediabetes: Prediabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as full-blown diabetes.
7. Gestational Diabetes: If you developed gestational diabetes during a pregnancy, you and your child have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
8. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
9. High Blood Pressure: Having a blood pressure over 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
10. Abnormal Cholesterol Levels: If you have low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol, and high levels of triglycerides, you are at an increased risk.
11. Syndrome X or Metabolic Syndrome: If you have a cluster of conditions that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglyceride levels, low HDL cholesterol levels, and excess body weight — especially around the belly, you significantly increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Remember, having one or more risk factor doesn’t mean you will definitely develop type 2 diabetes. Regular check-ups and health screenings can help detect any early indicators, so regular consultation with healthcare professionals is recommended.
Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose) — an important source of fuel for your body. It’s characterized by high levels of sugar in the blood.
Here are the common signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes:
1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: As excess sugar builds up in your bloodstream, fluid is pulled from the tissues, which may leave you thirsty. As a result, you may drink — and urinate — more than usual.
2. Increased Hunger: Without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted of energy. This triggers intense hunger.
3. Weight Loss: Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, you may lose weight. Without the ability to metabolize glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost as excess glucose is released in the urine.
4. Fatigue: If your cells are deprived of sugar, you may become tired and irritable.
5. Blurred Vision: If your blood sugar is too high, fluid may be pulled from the lenses of your eyes. This may affect your ability to focus.
6. Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections: Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and resist infections.
7. Areas of Darkened Skin: Some people with type 2 diabetes have patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies — usually in the armpits and neck. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, may be a sign of insulin resistance.
Remember, Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop slowly — over the course of several years — and can be so mild that you might not even notice them. Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms. Some people do not find out they have the disease until they have diabetes-related health problems, such as blurred vision or heart trouble. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
Diagnosis Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), an important source of fuel for your body. With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, but it can affect people of all ages and it does sometimes require management with insulin. It’s the more common type of diabetes, accounting for the majority of diabetes cases.
Common symptoms can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, sudden vision changes, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, feeling very tired much of the time, very dry skin and more infections than usual.
Diagnosing Type 2 diabetes usually involves blood tests which measure the level of glucose in your blood. Elevated glucose levels can indicate the presence of diabetes. Tests can include fasting blood sugar test, oral glucose tolerance test, and A1C test.
Managing type 2 diabetes often involves diet changes, exercise, weight loss if needed, possibly oral or injectable medications and in some cases insulin therapy. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is also usually a key component of managing this condition.
Treatment of Type 2 diabetes
The treatment plan for type 2 diabetes often involves lifestyle changes and, sometimes, medication. Here’s a generalized plan below:
1. Lifestyle changes: The first line of treatment for type 2 diabetes is always changes in lifestyle. This can include:
Diet: It’s imperative to create a healthy-eating plan that’s rich in nutrients, low in fat and calories and high in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A dietitian can help create a diet plan that is tailored to your health goals, food preferences, and lifestyle.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help lower your blood sugar level and boost your sensitivity to insulin, which helps keep your blood sugar within a normal range. With your doctor’s approval, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity most days of the week.
2. Medications: Your doctor might prescribe low-dose aspirin therapy, blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications to help prevent heart and blood vessel disease. Furthermore, Metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, others) is generally the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Other oral or injected medications can be added as well.
3. Insulin Therapy: Some people who have type 2 diabetes may also need to take insulin. There are many types of insulin, and they each work in a slightly different way.
4. Weight loss surgeries: For individuals who are obese and unable to achieve adequate control of their blood sugars, weight loss surgeries may be an option.
5. Education and Support: Understanding all aspects of diabetes management can help increase compliance and enhance the individual’s ability to manage their diabetes.
Please consult with healthcare providers who can make recommendations based on the specifics of your case, overall health, and medical history.
Medications commonly used for Type 2 diabetes
However, just a quick reminder beforehand: always consult with a healthcare professional or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medications. This information is intended to be general and educational and may not be perfectly applicable to your specific health scenario.
There are several classes of medicines that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes:
1. Metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, etc.): This is typically the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
2. Sulfonylureas (Glipizide, Glyburide, Glimepiride, etc.): These medications stimulate the body to produce more insulin.
3. Thiazolidinediones (Rosiglitazone, Pioglitazone, etc.): These make the body’s tissues more sensitive to insulin.
4. DPP-4 Inhibitors (Januvia, Tradjenta, Onglyza, etc.): These newer medications lower blood sugar levels by inhibiting an enzyme called DPP-4.
5. GLP-1 receptor agonists (Byetta, Victoza, Trulicity, etc.): These medications slow digestion and help lower blood sugar levels.
6. SGLT2 Inhibitors (Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance, etc.): These prevent the kidneys from reabsorbing sugar into the blood and excreting it in the urine.
7. Insulin Therapy: If other medications aren’t enough, sometimes insulin therapy is the treatment of choice.
Each class of medication has risks and benefits, potential side effects, and interactions, so it’s important for individuals and their healthcare providers to closely work together to establish an optimal treatment plan. Lifestyle changes are also a vital part of managing type 2 diabetes, including diet, exercise, and weight management.
Again, always consult your healthcare provider for advice with regards to medication usage.
Prevention of Type 2 diabetes
Preventing Type 2 diabetes involves several lifestyle adjustments that you can make to reduce your odds. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Regular physical activity: Engage in moderate physical exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This could include walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, or any other activity that gets your heart rate up.
2. Healthy diet: Adopt a balanced, nutritious diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Limit your intake of saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened drinks.
3. Weight management: If you’re overweight, every kilogram lost can improve your health. A loss of 5-7% of your initial body weight can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
4. Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Excessive consumption of alcohol can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Smoking is also associated with a higher risk of diabetes.
5. Regular check-ups: Regular health screenings can help detect prediabetes, which can be managed or reversed with prompt intervention.
6. Sleep: Ensure you get adequate, good-quality sleep. Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
7. Manage stress: High stress levels can affect your blood sugar levels and increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.
Remember, it’s always essential to consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise or diet program. They can help tailor a plan that will work best for you. Lastly, prevention strategies may vary based on your risk factors, including family history, age, and ethnicity. Your health care provider can help assess your individual risk and suggest specific prevention steps.
FAQ’s about Type 2 diabetes
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Type 2 Diabetes:
1. What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). Unlike type 1 diabetes, where your body acts as if it has no insulin, in type 2 diabetes your body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough to maintain a normal glucose level.
2. What are the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Symptoms can include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. However, many people with type 2 diabetes may not show any symptoms.
3. How is Type 2 Diabetes diagnosed?
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed by conducting a fasting plasma glucose test or an A1C test. The A1C test is a blood test that provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past 3 months.
4. What are the risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes?
Risk factors can include obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and genetics.
5. How is Type 2 Diabetes treated?
Treatment typically includes lifestyle changes, such as increased exercise and dietary modifications. It can also include medication or insulin therapy.
6. Can Type 2 Diabetes be prevented?
Yes. Lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving your diet can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
7. How does Type 2 Diabetes affect the body?
Over time, high glucose levels associated with type 2 diabetes can cause a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, dental disease, nerve damage, and foot problems.
8. How often should I check my blood sugar levels if I have Type 2 Diabetes?
This varies based on your treatment, but it could be once a day or several times. Your doctor will set a schedule for you.
9. Can you reverse Type 2 Diabetes?
While it’s not curable, some people can manage their blood glucose levels with diet and exercise alone, effectively achieving “remission” that can last years.
Remember each person is unique and may experience different symptoms and require different treatments. Always consult with a healthcare provider for the most accurate information.
Useful links
Here are some highly reputable journals that feature scholarly articles on the subject of Type 2 Diabetes:
These are only a few examples, and all of these journals offer plenty of useful and reputable articles on type 2 diabetes. Some articles may be behind a paywall, but quite a few can be accessed for free. Always remember to use these sources responsibly by citing them properly when used.
Complications of Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic illness with many potential complications that can greatly impact a person’s life, these include:
1. Cardiovascular problems: People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
2. Nerve damage (neuropathy): High blood sugar can cause damage to the nerves throughout the body, leading to numbness, pain, or a tingling sensation, typically in the hands, feet, and legs.
3. Kidney disease (nephropathy): Diabetes can damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure or irreversible end-stage kidney disease, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
4. Eye damage (retinopathy): Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to blindness. Diabetes also puts you at risk for cataracts and glaucoma.
5. Foot problems: Nerve damage and poor blood flow to the feet increases the risk of various foot complications. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can become serious infections and may require toe, foot or leg amputation.
6. Skin and mouth conditions: Diabetes may leave you more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections. It can also cause gum infections.
7. Osteoporosis: Diabetes could lead to lower than normal bone mineral density, increasing your risk of osteoporosis.
8. Hearing loss: Diabetes carries an increased risk of hearing problems.
9. Alzheimer’s disease: Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
10. Psychological effects: Living with diabetes brings many emotional and social challenges, which may increase the risk of depression.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment, along with regular lifestyle adjustments, can help prevent or slow down these complications. It’s crucial that people with diabetes are aware of these potential complications and that they work closely with healthcare professionals to manage their health.
Home remedies of Type 2 diabetes
While it’s important to remember that home remedies should never replace a doctor’s recommended treatment, they can be used alongside medical treatment to manage the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes.
Here are some home remedies that can help:
1. Healthy Diet: A balanced diet is among the most effective home remedies. To manage type 2 diabetes, consume foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and salt.
2. Regular Exercise: Physical activity is a beneficial part of diabetes management. Regular exercise can help lower your blood sugar levels and lose excess weight.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can contribute to insulin resistance. Shedding even a few pounds can improve your body’s ability to use insulin.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar: Some studies show that consuming apple cider vinegar can help lower blood sugar levels.
5. Cinnamon: Several studies have suggested that consuming cinnamon could increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.
6. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera juice has been linked to lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
7. Bitter Melon: Regular consumption of bitter melon, raw, in juice or cooked, can significantly reduce blood glucose levels.
8. Fenugreek: This herb is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine and has been shown to lower blood sugar.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new home remedies, especially if you are already on medication for Type 2 Diabetes. It’s important to maintain regular check-ups to monitor your condition.
