Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases that is affecting millions of people all over the world. Unlike type 1 diabetes, in type 2 diabetes the pancreas does not stop producing insulin completely, but it doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to use it effectively. Insulin is a vital hormone in our body that regulates sugar in bloodstream by helping glucose entering cells of the body where they are converted in energy. When insulin function is not damaged, blood glucose levels rise, which lead to a condition known as hyperglycaemia. With passing time, this imbalance can cause severe damage to major organs in body such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nervous system.
Over time, this disease has been known as a global health concern due to rising obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, aging populations and unhealthy food intakes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is often preventable, but lack of awareness about its causes, symptoms, and complications can lead to threatening health conditions. You need to understand the disease thoroughly to combat it.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes at early stage are not very concerning and may develop gradually, making it easy to overlook. However, diagnosing the symptoms early can help prevent further threatening health issues. Common symptoms include:
1. Excessive thirst and frequent urination:
High blood sugar in bloodstream put extra burden on the kidneys which causes dehydration and frequent urination.
2. Constant hunger:
When glucose is unable to enter the cells, our body craves more food to produce more energy.
3. Fatigue:
When cells in our body does not receive sufficient energy, we start makes feeling weak and tired.
4. Blurred vision:
Lenses of the eyes can be affected due to fluctuation of blood sugar levels that causes vision disturbances.
5. Slow healing of wounds:
Our immune system can be damaged as high glucose weakens the blood circulation which causes delaying in recovery of any wound.
6. Numbness or tingling in hands and feet:
You will feel tingling in hands and feet which is a result of nerve damage caused by prolonged exposure to high blood sugar.
7. Unexplained weight changes:
In some cases of type 2 diabetes people start losing or gaining weight unexpectedly.
Not all the symptoms are being noticed in every person that is why medical check-ups are necessary.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Most likely type 2 diabetes is usually linked to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Other important causes include:
- Insulin Resistance:
Cells in our body stop responding to insulin that puts burden on the pancreas to produce more. With passing time, the pancreas cannot keep up resulting rise in blood sugar level. - Obesity:
Excess fat in your body, especially around the abdomen is a great cause to develop insulin resistance. - Genetics and family history:
A parent or sibling with history of type 2 diabetes raises the risk. - Unhealthy diet:
Poor diet routine such as intake of excessive sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates leads to obesity and imbalance your blood sugar control. - Lack of Physical Activity:
Your metabolism get weakens if you don’t have any physical activity which reduces insulin sensitivity, and promote weight gain. - Age:
People above the age of 40 are at high risk of type 2 diabetes although it is increasingly diagnosed in younger people as well.
Hormonal Changes and Stress:
Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or long-term stress is one of the cause for tis disease .
Complications of Type 2 Diabetes
This disease can cause major and long term complications if you do not manage it properly or leave it untreated. These complications include:
1. Cardiovascular Diseases :
Blood vessels can be destroyed by high blood sugar in body, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.
2. Kidney Disease:
Constantly high glucose level can damage kidney filters which can cause too much pressure on kidneys and at last leading to chronic kidney failure.
3. Eye Problems (Retinopathy):
Type2 diabetes can damage tiny blood vessels in retina of the eyes, causing blindness if you do not consult your doctor on time.
4. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):
Due to nerve damage you can experience tingling, numbness, and pain in extremities.
5. Foot Problems:
Poor blood circulation and nerve damage make the feet liable to infections and ulcers, which are hard to cure and sometimes requires amputation.
6. Skin Conditions :
Different kind of bacterial and fungal infections can occur to the people with this disease
7. Hearing and Cognitive Decline : Research shows that there is a link between type 2 diabetes and hearing impairment or dementia.
How to Diagnose Complications
There are several tests that are prescribed by the doctors to diagnose type 2 diabetes these tests include:
- Fasting blood sugar test
- HbA1c test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- Urine and kidney tests
- Eye examinations
- Nerve function tests
- Cholesterol and blood pressure checks
Routine monitoring is vital for individuals with type 2 diabetes to prevent hidden complications from progressing.
Prevention and Cure
Just like type 1 diabetes , currently there is no permanent cure for type 2 diabetes. However, it can be prevented, controlled, and in some cases put into remission with lifestyle changes. Prevention strategies include:
- Healthy Eating :
You need a healthy and balanced diet plan which includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and healthy fats. At the same time, you need to avoid sugary drinks, processed foods and fast food. - Regular Physical Activity:
Add a physical activity in your daily routine. you can do a moderate exercise for 30 minutes such as swimming, brisk walking, or cycling. - Weight management:
The risk id developing type 2 diabetes can significantly be reduced by losing 5 to 10% of your weight.
4.Routine health check-ups:
Regular blood sugar checkups can help detect this disease on time and take early action.
5. Medication :
If change in your lifestyle is not sufficient to reduce risks of type 2 diabetes then doctor will prescribe oral medications like metformin or insulin therapy to regulate blood sugar.