Demystifying Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Delve into the enigma of Type 2 Diabetes: Discover its causes, symptoms, and diverse treatment approaches for a comprehensive understanding.
Diabetes is becoming more and more common throughout the world. In the United States, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) says that about 10 percent of the population, more than three million people, have diabetes, including 84 million adults with pre-diabetes, which means they are in more danger of developing diabetes. Shockingly, many people with diabetes and pre-diabetes don't even know they have it. If it continues, about two out of every five Americans will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
There are 2 significant types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is not that common and affects about five percent of people. It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing high blood sugar levels.
On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is very common and is strongly associated with obesity, especially excess fat being carried around the organs and liver.
In this article, we will explore what type 2 diabetes is, along with its causes, symptoms, and treatment, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this common disease.
But first, let's understand:
What Is Diabetes Exactly?
Diabetes is a health condition when your body has difficulty using the hormone insulin. Insulin helps your body's cells take up glucose, the sugar, for energy. It's like fuel lines plugged into your cells. When there isn't enough insulin, or it doesn't work correctly, glucose builds up in your blood. If left untreated, diabetes can cause problems for your health in the short and long term.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which it is difficult for the body to use sugar, also known as glucose, as an energy source. It caused an increase in blood sugar levels for a long time. High blood sugar can lead to circulatory, neurological, and immune system problems.
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Type 2 diabetes has two significant disadvantages.
First, the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps transport sugar into cells.
Second, the cells in the body do not respond well to insulin, so they do not utilize sugar.
Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes, but now it can affect children and adults. It is more common in older adults, but more young people are getting it due to rising obesity rates.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but you can manage it by losing weight, best type 2 diabetes diet, and exercising. If low carb type 2 diabetes diet and exercise are not working, doctors may prescribe diabetes type 2 medication or insulin shots to control blood sugar levels.
Causes For Type 2 Diabetes
There are two leading causes of type 2 diabetes.
First, the cells in our muscles, fat, and liver begin to ignore insulin. They seem to resist, so enough sugar is released into the bloodstream.
Second, our pancreas, which produces insulin, is not producing enough to keep our blood sugar levels stable and stable.
However, some other various factors that cause Type 2 diabetes are:
Heredity
Scientists have identified that genes can cause Type 2 diabetes. Some affected DNA can change the working of insulin in your body.
Weight
Being overweight or obese can make your body insulin resistant, so it doesn't work properly.
Metabolic Disorder
People whole are insulin resistant often have high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which could be one of the causes of Type 2 Diabetes.
More glucose from the liver
Usually, when your blood sugar is low, your liver releases glucose. After a meal, your blood sugar spike, and the liver has to slow down and store glucose for later use. In some people, however, the liver continues to produce sugar even though it does not need it, which results in type 2 diabetes.
Cellular communication problems
Sometimes the cells in your body don't communicate properly, send the wrong signals, or don't understand messages correctly. It can interrupt insulin and glucose production and utilization, leading to diabetes.
Damaged beta cells
Insulin is produced by beta cells. Releasing insulin at the wrong time can lead to imbalanced blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can also affect these cells.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors
Factors that raise your risk of developing diabetes relate to your medical history and health. Let's break them down into two categories:
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Medical history and health-related type 2 diabetes risk factors include:
Insulin resistance
It happens when your body has trouble using insulin effectively.
Pre-diabetes
It's a condition where your blood sugar levels are increased than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure can raise the risk even if you take and manage medication.
Heart and blood vessel disease
Having heart and blood vessel issues can increase the risk of diabetes.
Low HDL cholesterol
HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol, and having low levels can be a risk factor. Triglyceride is a type of fat in your blood, and having high levels can increase the risk of diabetes.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disturbance condition that can increase the risk of diabetes. Depression: Mental health conditions like depression can also be a type 2 diabetes risk factor.
Being overweight or obese
Carrying extra weight puts you at a higher risk.
Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
If you had diabetes during pregnancy, it raises the risk of type 2 diabetes later on.
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Lifestyle type 2 diabetes risk factors that you have control over include:
Lack of physical activity
Lack of enough physical activity increases the risk.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of diabetes.
Stress
Chronic stress can lead to diabetes.
Sleep problems
Less or excessive sleepiness both can develop a higher risk of diabetes.
You can work on these things to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes: increase physical activity, quit smoking, manage stress, and make sure you get enough sleep.
Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes symptoms usually appear slowly over time. Sometimes, you may not even realize it for years. When signs of type 2 diabetes appear, they include:
Feeling thirsty all the time.
Need to use the bathroom a lot, such as peeing more often than usual.
Frequent infections in the body.
Feeling hungry more often.
Weight Loss unintentionally without trying.
Feeling tired and lacking energy.
Usually observing dark patches of skin on the ankles and neck.
Blurred vision or difficulty seeing clearly.
It takes too long for cuts and wounds to heal.
Feeling numbness or tingling in hands and feet.
Medical Complications
Type 2 diabetes can affect vital parts of our body, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes, and kidneys. It is important to note that the same factors that increase the risk of diabetes can also raise the risk of other severe diseases. But don't worry; managing diabetes and controlling blood sugar can help reduce the risk of these problems and other medical conditions. Here are some of them:
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Heart disease and atherosclerosis
Having diabetes increases the chances of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and atherosclerotic conditions as blood vessels narrow.
Nerve damage
This condition is called diabetic neuropathy. Our arteries can be damaged or destroyed when blood sugar levels increase over time. It usually begins in the toes or fingers and gradually progresses to numbness, tingling, burning, pain, or loss of sensation.
Kidney Disease
Diabetes mellitus type 2 can lead to chronic kidney disease or irreversible end-stage renal failure. Sometimes dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary to manage this condition.
Eye damage
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing severe eye infections such as glaucoma and cataract. It can also damage blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to blindness.
Skin conditions
Diabetes can increase the risk of specific skin problems, including bacterial and fungal.
Heals slowly
If left untreated, cuts and abscesses can develop into serious infections that can't be easily cured. In severe cases, toes, feet, and legs may need to be amputated.
Hearing loss
Ear problems are common in people with diabetes.
Sleep Apnea
Many people with type 2 diabetes also have a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. It is often associated with obesity, leading to diabetes and sleep apnea.
Dementia
Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related problems. Poor blood sugar control is associated with rapid memory and thinking ability decline.
Other Complications
Diabetes can also damage the arteries in the heart, causing heart failure. Affect the digestive system and can cause problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Remember that properly managed diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels can reduce your risk of these complications and other related medical conditions.
How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
Making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent type 2 diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, making these changes can even slow or stop full-blown diabetes.
Here's a healthy lifestyle you can adopt.
Eat healthy foods
Take low carb type 2 diabetes diet, which is high in fiber. Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Become Active
Set a weekly goal for at least 150 minutes or more of moderate to energetic aerobic exercise. It can include jogging, cycling, brisk walking, or swimming.
lose weight
If you are overweight, some weight loss can help delay the progression from type 1 diabetes to type 2 diabetes. If you have pre-diabetes, losing 7% to 10% of your body weight can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Avoid prolonged sitting:
Sitting sedentary for long periods can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Try to get up and walk after every 30 minutes. Even a few minutes can make a difference.
Adopting these healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and lead to a healthier lifestyle.
When to consult a Doctor?
It is best to consult your doctor if you notice common sings of type 2 diabetes or have any questions. They can help you get tested and start treatment early, which is essential to prevent serious complications.
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Treatment Type 2 Diabetes
After making lifestyle changes, you may need medication if your blood sugar levels aren't within your target range.
Metformin
One of the most common drugs used to “how to treat diabetes type 2” is Metformin (brand name: Fortamet, Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet). It is usually the first option because it helps reduce the liver's glucose production and helps your body produce insulin more efficiently.
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Semaglutide
Ozempic for diabetes is a semaglutide drug injected into the body once a week. It helps manage blood sugar levels and measures HbA1c in type 2 diabetics. How does ozempic work for diabetes? Ozempic is a type of drug called a GLP-1 analog. It works by increasing levels of hormones called incretins, which help your body produce more insulin when needed.
Sulfonylureas
These chemicals help your body produce more insulin. Examples include glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), and glyburide (DiaBeta, Micronase).
Meglitinides
They also help your body make more insulin but work faster than sulfonylureas. You can take nateglinide (Starlix) or repaglinide (Prandin).
Thiazolidinediones
Like Metformin, these diabetes type 2 medications make your body more sensitive to insulin. Examples include pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia). However, they can increase a person's risk of heart disease and are generally not the first choice for treatment.
DPP-4 inhibitors
These drugs, such as linagliptin (Tradjenta), saxagliptin (Onglyza), and sitagliptin (Januvia), help lower blood sugar levels. However, they can cause joint pain and intestinal disorders. They work by inhibiting an enzyme called DPP-4, which affects the incretin hormone.
Key Points To Remember
Type 2 diabetes is a severe condition that must be dealt with throughout your life.
Losing weight, adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating the best type 2 diabetes diet, and taking medication when needed can help manage type 2 diabetes.
Medicine like ozempic not only helps manage type 2 diabetes conditions but also contributes to a longer and healthier life.
FAQs
Can type 1 diabetics take Ozempic?
Although Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists are not officially approved for use in type 1 diabetes, doctors sometimes write "off label" for the condition indicating that these drugs may be recommended and have helped type 1 diabetes control blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. Still, it is important to note that the use of these drugs in type 1 diabetes is not yet proven or supported by government guidelines. Discussing the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare professional before considering off-label use is essential.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Yes. In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce any insulin at all. This means that people with type 1 diabetes should use insulin injections or an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a bit different. In this case, the body can still produce insulin, but it doesn’t work properly (insulin resistance), or insufficient insulin is produced. Lifestyle changes, oral diabetes type 2 medications, and sometimes insulin injections are used to manage type 2 diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are serious conditions that must be closely monitored to keep blood sugar levels under control. For individuals with any form of diabetes, consulting with healthcare professionals to develop an individualized treatment plan is important.
Can I donate plasma if I have type 2 diabetes?
Yes, if you have type 2 diabetes, you can donate plasma unless you have complications from diabetes, such as eye, heart, blood vessel, or kidney problems. It is essential that your diabetes is managed through diet or medication. You should be eligible to donate plasma if these conditions are met. However, it is always a good idea for a type 2 diabetic to visit a specific plasma donation center to confirm their needs and guidelines.
Is type 2 diabetes usually appears after age 40?
No, you can get type 2 diabetes at any age, even as a child. However, middle-aged and older people are usually affected. If you are 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes, or are overweight or obese, you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
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