Type 2 Diabetes
Expert Diabetes Care
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. It’s the most common form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90-95% of all diabetes cases.
- Insulin Resistance: T2DM primarily occurs due to insulin resistance, where cells in muscles, fat, and liver do not respond well to insulin and can’t easily take up glucose from the blood.
- Insufficient Insulin Production: Over time, the pancreas can’t keep up with the increased demand for insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
⚠️ Risk Factors ⚠️
Several factors increase the risk of developing T2DM:
- Genetics: Family history of diabetes.
- Lifestyle: Poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.
- Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 45.
- Ethnicity: Higher prevalence in African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Asian American populations.
- Health Conditions: Hypertension, high cholesterol, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
🪧 Symptoms 🪧
T2DM often develops slowly, and symptoms can be mild or absent initially:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination.
- Unintended weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Blurred vision.
- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections.
- Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck (acanthosis nigracans)
🧪 Diagnosis 🧪
- Blood Tests: Diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests measuring blood sugar levels, including:
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test.
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
- Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test.
🏊🏽♀️ Treatment and Management 🥙
Management of T2DM focuses on maintaining blood sugar levels within a target range through lifestyle changes and medications:
- Diet: Emphasis on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Medications: Oral medications (e.g., metformin) and sometimes insulin therapy.
- Monitoring: Regular blood sugar monitoring and A1C testing to track long-term control.
T2DM is a significant public health issue globally!
Prevalence: According to the CDC, nearly 12% of the U.S. population had diabetes as of 2021. This percentage increased to nearly 30% among those aged 65 and older.
- Economic Impact: The cost of managing diabetes and its complications is substantial, burdening healthcare systems worldwide.
- Geographic Distribution: T2DM prevalence varies by region, with higher rates in urban areas and developing countries experiencing rapid lifestyle changes.
Without proper management, T2DM can lead to serious health complications:
- Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage leading to pain, tingling, or loss of sensation.
- Nephropathy: Kidney damage, potentially leading to kidney failure.
- Retinopathy: Eye damage, increasing the risk of blindness.
- Foot Problems: Poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to foot ulcers and infections, sometimes requiring amputation.
While some risk factors are non-modifiable, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing T2DM:
- Healthy Eating: Focus on a balanced, nutritious diet low in refined sugars and saturated fats.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities like walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Regular Screening: Especially important for those with risk factors such as a family history of diabetes or obesity.