Type-2 Diabetes occurs when the body resists or doesn’t produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone created by the pancreas to allow cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream to use as energy. If the body cannot use insulin, glucose accumulates in the blood instead of being used by the cells. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Causes:
Type-2 diabetes is often linked to a person’s lifestyle factors but can also have genetic causes. Primary risk factors include:
- Obesity and overweight: Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, increases insulin resistance.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Physical inactivity reduces insulin sensitivity and increases risk.
- Diet: Diets high in refined sugars and processed foods can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Age: Risk increases after age 45, but younger adults and even children are now developing type-2 diabetes.
- Family history: Genetics play a role; having a parent or sibling with diabetes increases risk.
Common Symptoms:
Symptoms of type-2 diabetes may develop slowly over time, making it challenging to identify it in the early stages, key symptoms include:
- Frequent urination: High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to excrete excess glucose through urine.
- Increased thirst: Losing more water through urination leads to dehydration and increased thirst.
- Fatigue: Cells lack the energy they need, leading to persistent tiredness.
- Blurred vision: High blood sugar can pull fluid from the eyes, affecting the ability to focus.
- Slow healing wounds: High blood glucose can impair blood flow, delaying healing
- Unintentional weight loss: When the body can’t use glucose, it breaks down fat and even muscle for energy.
Diagnosis:
A diagnosis of type-2 diabetes is typically made through one or more of the following blood tests:
- A1C test: measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months
o An A1C of 6.5% or higher on two different tests typically indicates diabetes
- Fasting blood sugar test: checks blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours
- Oral glucose tolerance test: measures blood sugar before and after drinking a glucose solution
Management:
Type-2 diabetes is a manageable condition through lifestyle changes, monitoring, and medication if needed. Strategies include:
- Healthy diet: a focus on a diet balanced with vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit refined sugars, simple carbs, and highly processed foods.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage blood sugar.
- Weight management: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve blood sugar control.
- Medication: Lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. Common medications for managing type-2 diabetes include medications such as metformin.
- Regular monitoring: Checking blood sugar levels regularly helps identify trends and manage blood sugar more effectively.
Complications of Type 2 Diabetes:
- Cardiovascular disease: increased risk of heart disease and stroke
- Nerve damage: High blood sugar can damage nerves, causing pain or numbness.
- Kidney disease: Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure.
- Eye damage: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems or blindness.
Prevention:
Preventing type-2 diabetes or managing it effectively is possible through lifestyle change and medical care. Adopting healthier habits, such as regular physical activity and a balanced diet, is key. Additionally, routine checkups with a healthcare provider can help monitor blood sugar and prevent complications.
Type-2 diabetes is a serious but manageable condition. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and proactive steps can improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of complications. With a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good medical care, those with type-2 can live a healthy life.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Type 2 diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-2-diabetes.html#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20type%202,prediabetes%20and%20type%202%20diabetes.
Reviewed and edited by Shannon Hodson, MA.
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