A Comprehensive Guide to Type 2 Diabetes
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can understandably lead to anxiety and worry. However, by increasing your knowledge about the condition, you can effectively manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. This article aims to address any questions you may have about type 2 diabetes, empowering you to take an active role in your treatment.
Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Overview
Our bodies obtain the energy they need from the food we consume. One of the essential nutrients is sugar. After eating, sugar enters the bloodstream through the digestive system. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, then transports this sugar to the body’s cells.
Impaired Insulin Function:
If the pancreas malfunctions, sugar remains in the blood and accumulates over time. Consequently, the individual develops diabetes. This disease has two types: one and two. We will explain type two in more detail below.
Insulin Resistance and Deficiency:
In the early stages of type 2 diabetes, the body can still produce insulin. However, the problem is that the body is unable to use this hormone effectively. Over time, as symptoms worsen, the pancreas will no longer be able to produce insulin either.
Prevalence and Age of Onset:
According to research, type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1. Experts say the chances of developing this condition increase after age 45. However, it is possible for people under 45 and even children to be affected.
Management and Control:
Unfortunately, experts have not yet found a definitive cure for this disease. However, there are ways to manage this disorder with proper knowledge and care.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Complications of Type 2 Diabetes
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- Nerve damage (neuropathy) leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Reduced kidney function
- Kidney failure
- Vision loss (retinopathy)
- Dry mouth
- Loss of consciousness
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Sexual dysfunction
- Digestive problems such as gastroparesis
- Hearing loss
- Oral health problems
- Foot ulcers that may lead to amputation
- Skin problems
- Cataracts
Treatment Approaches for Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood sugar control:
- Insulin injections
- Oral medications (e.g., metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors)
- Combination therapy
- Exercise: Regular physical activity
- Diet: Consuming a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking
- Weight loss: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Fatigue
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Slow-healing wounds
- Yeast infections
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Darkening of the skin in certain areas
In Conclusion