Type 2 diabetes symptoms, causes, and treatment?
1. Understanding Type 2 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic Mellitus that is characterized by high levels of sugar in the bloodstream. In the past, this condition was almost always seen in middle-aged or older adults. However, more and more children and teenagers are developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes type 2 is considerably more frequent than type 1 diabetes and differs significantly from it. Nevertheless, both share similar symptoms like high levels of sugar in the bloodstream and the associated risks.
The digestion process breaks down food into its basic components, including carbohydrates which are broken down into simple sugars, such as glucose. Glucose is a crucial source of energy for the cells in the body. To use glucose as an energy source, it must leave the circulation and enter the cells.
2. Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes are associated with high levels of sugar in the bloodstream and may include polyuria (frequent urination), thirst, hunger, weight loss, and increased susceptibility to infections, particularly yeast and fungal infections.
It can be the first sign of type 2 diabetes include, causing confused thinking, weakness, nausea, and even seizures and coma. Diabetes treatment of type 2 diabetes may also cause symptoms of hypoglycemia - a drop in blood glucose amounts when too much medication is taken with food.
People with diabetes may have common symptoms of hypoglycemia including sweating, shivering, dizziness, hunger, confusion, and seizures, which can cause loss of consciousness if left unrecognized and uncorrected.
3. Type 2 Diabetes Complications and risk factors
Type 2 diabetics are at an increased risk for developing serious and chronic health conditions that can affect various major organs and systems, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. Type 2 diabetes can lead to severe and life-threatening complications, which may include:
Atherosclerosis
Is a dangerous condition that occurs when fatty deposits build up in the walls of arteries. This can impede blood flow to the heart, brain, and legs causing numerous health complications. Keep in mind that the earlier atherosclerosis is detected, the better the prognosis. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as consuming healthy food, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
Retinopathy
Is a serious condition that can affect the vision of millions of people living with diabetes. When The bloodstream contains elevated amounts of sugar, it can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina (the back of the eye that sees light). This damage can cause the retina to bleed, impairing its ability to see light. If caught early, strict glycemic control and laser therapy are effective ways to minimize the damage of retinopathy. Unfortunately, if left untreated, retinopathy can lead to blindness. Talk to your doctor about your risk of developing type 2 and take the appropriate precautions to avoid or treat it.
Neuropathy
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage that affects the peripheral nerves, most commonly in the feet. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet and hands. In some cases, the nerves that control digestion, sexual function, and urination may also be affected. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away to help prevent further damage.
Foot problems
Such as foot pain and blisters can occur for two main reasons: peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation.
Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness in the feet, which can lead to skin breakdown and ulcers. If left untreated, these ulcers can become inflamed and can be difficult to heal.
Poor circulation can also slow down the healing process, making it easier for even a small wound to become infected and grow larger.
To prevent and treat foot problems, it is important to maintain good foot hygiene and to seek medical attention if you experience any pain, numbness, or blisters in your feet.
Nephropathy
Is a dangerous disorder that can lead to irreversible kidney damage. It is especially likely to occur when The bloodstream contains elevated amounts of sugar and high blood is not managed properly. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, it is important to take steps to aggressively treat these conditions To lower the chances of nephropathy and its related problems.
Skin conditions
Diabetes can make you more prone to certain skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections. If you have diabetes, it's important to keep your skin clean, moisturize regularly, and watch for any signs of infection, like redness, itching, or soreness. Taking good care of your skin can help keep you healthy and avoid further health problems.
4. Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Blood sugar control is an important part of managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, and it starts with the pancreas. The pancreas is a small organ located behind the stomach and is responsible for producing insulin, the hormone that helps move glucose to your cells. Those with type 2 diabetes often produce enough insulin, but their cells are unable to absorb it effectively (don't respond to insulin). This means that sugar builds up in the bloodstream instead. There are multiple causes of type 2 diabetes, it includes:
Genes:
Studying genes has revealed various DNA segments which can significantly impact insulin production. This extraordinary breakthrough can aid investigators in uncovering the source of diabetes and other metabolic diseases, creating potential treatments and therapies that could enhance the lives of millions.
Extra weight:
Carrying extra weight, particularly around your midsection, can have serious consequences for your health. Not only can it cause physical strain, but it can also potentially lead to insulin resistance, which is a major risk factor for many serious diseases, and can be causes type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It's important to take steps to keep your weight in a healthy range and maintain balanced lifestyle factors to reduce the diabetes risk associated with being overweight or obese.
Metabolic syndrome:
Metabolic Syndrome affects many people and is a group of conditions that can increase your risk of developing serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even some types of cancer. The main symptom of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance, which is caused by your body’s inability to respond properly to insulin.
People with insulin resistance often experience a host of other related conditions, such as the bloodstream containing elevated amounts of sugar, extra fat around the waist, hypertension, and high cholesterol and triglyceride amounts. Taking steps to reduce your risk factors of type 2 can help keep you healthy and minimize your risk of complications down the line.
The liver produces too much glucose:
When you have low blood sugar, your liver pumps out extra glucose to keep your energy levels up. This can be helpful in the short term, but too much glucose can cause your body to become resistant to insulin over time. If your liver continues to produce too much glucose without slowing down after you eat, it can lead to high blood sugar. Fortunately, there are dietary and lifestyle changes you can make to help your liver regulate glucose better. Good nutrition with regular meals and exercising regularly can help maintain a healthy blood sugar balance.
Broken beta cells:
Broken beta cells can be a dangerous and frustrating problem for people with diabetes. When the cells that produce insulin don't send out enough or the right kind of insulin at the right time, it can cause your blood sugar to become unbalanced. This can make it impossible to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level and can also damage the cells that make insulin, leading to further issues. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of broken beta cells and getting early treatment is essential to controlling diabetes and preventing additional damage.
5. Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis and tests
A blood test is the best way to detect diabetes, as it measures the sugar levels in the body after an overnight fast. Typically, a healthy result falls between 70 to 100 mg/dL. You might be suffering from diabetes if your blood sugar reading is higher than 125 mg/dL. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may also look for additional symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Taking a blood test is the most reliable way to detect diabetes.
Routine laboratory assessments are key in helping to monitor and manage diabetes. Examples of tests used to measure diabetes include:
A1C test - measures your average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.
Fasting blood glucose test - measures your blood glucose level after at least 8 hours of fasting.
Oral glucose tolerance test - measures your body's response to a large amount of glucose.
Random blood glucose test - measures your blood glucose level at any time of the day.
These tests play an important role in the diagnosis of prediabetes and help you and your doctor understand how well your diabetes is being managed.
6. Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes - diet for type 2 diabetes, Medication, and Insulin Therapy
There are numerous ways to manage your diabetes and keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Adopting healthy nutrition and regular exercise, in addition to taking the right medications when needed, can help you live a healthier life. Your doctor can guide you on the best medications and when they should be taken. Remember to keep in mind that your treatment plan may need to be modified over time—as your body changes, so may the medications that are needed. Thankfully, with the hard work of researchers, new treatment options and medications for diabetes are being discovered and refined every day.
Diet for type 2 diabetes:
For many people with Type 2 diabetes, treatment typically begins with a focus on weight loss and overall health. Eating a balanced meal full of nutritious foods, including the right carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, is essential for managing the condition and reaching your weight loss goals. Additionally, regular physical activity can help you reach an optimal weight and improve your overall health. By following a tailored nutrition and lifestyle plan, you can reduce your risk of diabetes of long-term complications and lead a healthier, more active life.
Medications
When diet and exercise are not adequate to maintain normal blood glucose levels, the person diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often starts with medicating. To take diabetes care, several kinds of medicines are available, each with a unique method of action.
- Metformin remains the first drug recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for treating type 2 diabetes. It is an oral diabetes medication, easy to take, and cost-effective because it is available as a generic, and unlikely to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used alone. Abdominal discomfort and irregular bowel habits are the most often reported side effects. However, ADA has recommended the addition of GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT-2 inhibitors to metformin if results are not optimal or if a person’s risk of cardiovascular or kidney disease is higher. The inclusion of these more expensive drugs may pose a potential financial hurdle.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists are a type of medication that imitate the purpose of a naturally produced substance in the intestine. This substance helps to stimulate the pancreas to make enough insulin and slows down the rate at which the stomach empties, which in turn helps people to maintain a feeling of fullness for long periods. Examples of this type of medication include liraglutide (Victoza), semaglutide (Ozempic), and dulaglutide (Trulicity). By taking these medications, individuals can maintain optimal levels of insulin production, contributing to better glycemic control.
- Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors are a type of drug that is proven to be highly effective in reducing heart and blood pressure. By blocking the kidneys from taking up sugar from the bloodstream, this drug has a positive effect on one's health. Common SGLT2 medications include empagliflozin (Jardiance), canagliflozin (Invokana), and dapagliflozin (Farxiga). Although these drugs can bring many benefits, side effects should also be noted. Since there is a higher level of glucose in the urine, this can increase the risk of vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Additionally, GLP-1 receptor agonists may help with weight management, but they could also come with some adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Be sure to consult your doctor to determine if SGLT2 medications or GLP-1 receptor agonists may be the best treatment option for you.
Use insulin
Insulin can provide a temporary solution when other medications are insufficient for managing blood sugar levels or in response to a stressful event. Based on its activity time, insulin is categorized by how quickly it starts working and how long it stays active. It may take more than one kind of insulin to control your blood sugar, while there are also types of pre-mixed insulins available. In addition to being administrated orally, insulin can be given in a few other ways.
Administering insulin can be done in several ways - via a needle and syringe, an insulin pump, an insulin pen, an inhaler, an injection port, or a jet injector.
7. Prevent type 2 diabetes
If someone in your family - like a parent or brother/sister - already has type 2 diabetes, or if your recent blood glucose test results show levels of 100-125 mg/dL (prediabetes and type 2 diabetes), your chances of developing type 2 diabetes increase significantly. Luckily, you can dramatically decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes by taking preventive steps now. Not only will this help to improve your overall health and well-being, but it may also even reduce the need for medication or lifestyle changes in the future. It's worthwhile to get proactive about your health and to know the condition that causes and works to delay type 2 diabetes.
- Eating healthy foods. Chose the food you eat, and focus on the consumption of items that are nutrient-dense and lower in fat and calories, such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Incorporate these into your diet to ensure a healthy balance.
- Reducing body fat. Shedding a reasonable proportion of mass and sustaining it can postpone the development from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, dropping 7% to 10% of your body weight can lower the chance to get type 2 diabetes.
- Getting active. Regular exercise has many benefits, including helping you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, lowering your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week and if you're new to exercise, speak to your healthcare professional about the best type of exercise for you and start slow and build up your physical fitness. With regular exercise, you can experience the many great benefits it has to offer.
- Don't smoke. It is advisable not to smoke, as it can be a factor in insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. If you are a smoker, you should attempt to quit.
8. Manage type 2 diabetes - living with type 2 diabetes
Learning to live with type 2 diabetes can be challenging, but by managing it effectively you can lay the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. To do this, routine blood sugar monitoring, engaging in physical activity, eating healthy, and taking your prescribed medication are all essential steps. With these actions, you can better manage the condition of your diabetes and live a more comfortable life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) is a serious chronic condition that can affect people of all ages. It is characterized by high amounts of sugar in the bloodstream, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing this condition and require careful management to keep their blood sugar amounts in a healthy range. Effective management of diabetes requires lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, regular monitoring of blood sugar amounts, and the cure for type 2 diabetes by using insulin or other medications as recommended by your doctor.