Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factor, Diagnosis & Treatment

    

Diabetes type 2 is a condition caused by not using insulin properly by the body. Type 2 diabetes can lead to several health issues, including stroke, kidney disease and heart disease, if left untreated. By altering your lifestyle, taking medicine, and visiting your doctor regularly, you can manage your illness.

Type 2 diabetes is a health condition resulting from an imbalance in the body's regulation of sugar metabolism. Another name for the sugar is glucose. The long-term effect of this illness is an excess of sugar in the blood. Over time, problems with the immunological, neurological, and cardiovascular systems may result from elevated blood sugar levels.

Two primary problems are present in type 2 diabetes. The hormone insulin, which controls how much sugar enters cells, is not produced in sufficient amounts by the pancreas. Additionally, cells absorb less sugar and react poorly to insulin.

The type 2 diabetes has no known treatment. Exercise, a healthy diet, and weight loss can all aid in disease management. Insulin therapy or diabetes medicines may be suggested if diet and exercise alone are insufficient to regulate blood sugar levels.

Also Read: Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Risk factor & Treatments

What is Type 2 diabetes?

A chronic illness known as type 2 diabetes (T2D) is brought on by consistently high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia.

There should be between 70 and 99 milligrams of glucose per deciliter (mg/dL) in healthy blood. Your readings are usually 126 mg/dL or greater if you have Type 2 diabetes that has not been determined.

T2D is caused by either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas, improper insulin utilization by the body, or both. This is not the same as Type 1 diabetes, which arises from a complete absence of insulin production due to an autoimmune attack on the pancreas.

Symptoms:

Type 2 diabetes symptoms frequently appear gradually. It is possible to have type 2 diabetes for years without realizing it. If symptoms are evident, they could consist of:

• Thirst increased.
• Heightened appetite.
• Unintentional loss of weight.
• Vision problems.
• Frequent infections.
• Insomnia or paresthesia in the extremities.
• Darker skin patches are typically found on the neck and armpits.
• Urinating more often.
• Fatigued.
• Heals slowly from cuts or sores.
• Dry Skin.

 Causes:

Insulin resistance is an important cause of  Type 2 diabetes.

When cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don't react to insulin as they should, you develop insulin resistance. Your pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which is essential to survival and controls blood sugar levels.

Your pancreas must produce more insulin if your body isn't reacting to insulin as it should to try and counteract an increase in blood sugar (hyperinsulinemia). Type 2 diabetes results from an excessively resistant cell population to insulin and insufficient insulin production by the pancreas.

Insulin resistance can be caused by several reasons, including:

• Genetics.
• Excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, is stored in the abdomen and surrounding organs.
• Absence of physical exercise.
• Consuming foods heavy in carbohydrates, processed foods, and saturated fats regularly.
• Several medications such as prolonged usage of corticosteroids.
• Hormonal conditions such as Cushing syndrome and hypothyroidism.
• Chronic stress and a lack of quality sleep.

How is diabetes type 2 diagnosed?

The blood tests listed below aid in the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes by your healthcare provider:

• The fasting plasma glucose test measures your blood sugar levels in the laboratory. This test is usually scheduled for the morning following an eight-hour fast (nothing to eat or drink except water). If your result is 126 mg/dL or more, you have diabetes.

• Random plasma glucose test: This is a non-fasting laboratory test that measures blood sugar levels as well, but it can be obtained at any time. If your result is 200 mg/dL or more, you have diabetes.

• The A1C test calculates your blood sugar levels on average over the previous two to three months. A result of 6.5% or higher suggests you have diabetes.

Risk factors:

The following are some factors that could raise your risk of type 2 diabetes:

Weight. Obesity or being overweight is a major risk.

 Dispersion of fat: A higher risk is indicated by storing fat primarily in the abdomen as opposed to the hips and thighs. Men and women who have waist circumferences of more than 40 inches (101.6 cm) and 35 inches (88.9 cm) respectively are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Inactivity. The risk increases with one's level of inactivity. Exercise increases insulin sensitivity in cells, burns glucose for energy, and aids with weight control.

History in the family. If a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes, an individual's risk of developing the disease rises.

Ethnicity and race. individuals of specific races and ethnicities, such as Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders, have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than white individuals, while the exact cause remains unknown.

Lipid levels in the blood. Low levels of HDL cholesterol, also known as the "good" cholesterol, and high levels of triglycerides are linked to an increased risk.

Ages. Type 2 diabetes is more common as people age, particularly beyond the age of 35.

Prediabetes. A blood sugar level that is higher than usual but not high enough to be classified as diabetes is called prediabetes. Type 2 diabetes frequently develops from prediabetes if it is not managed.

Dangers associated with pregnancy. Those who experienced gestational diabetes throughout their pregnancy and those who gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds (4 kilograms) are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Syndrome of polycystic ovary. Diabetes is more common in those with polycystic ovarian syndrome, a disorder marked by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, and obesity.

Complications:

Numerous important organs, including the heart, blood arteries, nerves, eyes, and kidneys are impacted by type 2 diabetes. Moreover, there are risk factors for other serious diseases that are associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Controlling blood sugar and managing diabetes can reduce the chance of these issues as well as other illnesses, such as:

Illness of the heart and blood vessels. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis, or the narrowing of blood vessels.
Damage to limbs' nerves. We refer to this ailment as neuropathy. Over time, high blood sugar can harm or even kill nerves. This can cause discomfort, tingling, burning, numbness, or even loss of feeling, which usually starts at the tips of the fingers or toes and works its way up.

Further nerve injury. Abnormal cardiac rhythms may be caused by damage to the heart's nerves. Digestion-related nerve injury might result in issues with vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. 

Kidney illness. Diabetes can result in irreversible end-stage renal damage or chronic kidney disease. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary for that.

Damage to the eyes. Diabetes may harm the retina's blood vessels, which could result in blindness, and raise the risk of major eye conditions including glaucoma and cataracts.

Skin diseases. Diabetes may increase the likelihood of bacterial and fungal infections, among other skin issues.

Gradual recovery. Blisters and injuries that are not treated can develop into dangerous infections and have a terrible prognosis. Severe injury may necessitate amputating a toe, foot, or leg.

Impairment of hearing. Diabetes patients are more likely to experience hearing issues.

Apnea during sleep. People with type 2 diabetes frequently have obstructive sleep apnea. One major issue that may be related to both illnesses is obesity.

Dementia. Alzheimer's disease and other conditions that result in dementia appear to be more common in people with type 2 diabetes. An increased rate of deterioration in memory and other cognitive abilities is associated with poor blood sugar control.

What is the course of treatment for diabetes type 2?

In contrast to many other medical diseases, you primarily manage type 2 diabetes on your own with assistance and supervision from your healthcare team. This might comprise you:

• Endocrinologist or primary care physician (PCP).
• Dietitian with registration.
• Specialist in the care and education of diabetes certified (CDCES).
• Ophthalmologist: physician of the eyes.
• Dentist.

Family members and other significant individuals in your life ought to be on your team as well. It can be difficult to manage T2D because you have to make multiple decisions every day. But it's all worthwhile to take steps to enhance your health.

The following are the main components of managing type 2 diabetes:

• Lifestyle modifications, such as increased activity and dietary alterations.
• Blood sugar observation.
• Medication.

Exercise:

Everybody benefits from regular exercise. The importance increases if you have diabetes. Your health benefits from exercise because it:

• Reduces blood sugar levels both temporarily and permanently without medicine.
• Burns calories and could be useful for losing weight.
• Increases blood pressure and increases blood flow.
• Elevates your mood and gives you more energy.
• Aids in the management of stress.

Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any fitness program. Particularly if you take insulin, you might need to take extra precautions before, during, and after physical activity. Getting at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise is the main objective.

Diet:

Get advice from a trained dietician or your healthcare provider about the best food plan for you. Maintaining your blood sugar levels within the range advised by your healthcare team depends on what, how much, and when you consume.

Eating a range of nutrient-dense meals in the amounts recommended by your meal plan, from all food groups, is the key to eating well with Type 2 diabetes. These foods can generally assist in maintaining normal blood sugar levels:

• Eggs, fish, and chicken are examples of lean proteins.
• Veggies that are not starchy, such as cucumbers, salad greens, broccoli, and green beans.
• Healthy fats are found in nuts, avocados, olive oil, and natural peanut butter.
• Whole-wheat bread, beans, cherries, and sweet potatoes are examples of complex carbs.

Blood sugar monitoring:

To determine how well your current treatment plan is working, you must monitor your blood sugar. It provides you with daily, sometimes even hourly, diabetes management information. You can use the findings of blood sugar monitoring to guide your decisions about what to eat, how much exercise, and how much insulin to take.

Your blood sugar might be affected by various factors. Some of these effects are very difficult or impossible to foresee, but with time and experience, you can learn to forecast some of them. If your healthcare practitioner advises you to check your blood sugar frequently, it's crucial to do so.

If you have diabetes, there are two primary methods you can use to check your blood sugar at home:

• Using a finger stick and a glucose meter.
• Use an ongoing glucose meter (CGM).

There are many reasons why you would select one or both approaches, including:

• Your level of access to the technology may differ depending on your health insurance policy and cost.
• How often is recommended to check your blood sugar with your healthcare provider?
• The medications that you now take.
• Your overall health.

Medications for type 2 diabetes:

To control Type 2 diabetes, your healthcare professional might recommend medication in addition to lifestyle modifications. Among them are:

Oral diabetes medications: These are drugs that persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D) use orally to help control their blood sugar levels while still producing some insulin. There are different types. Metformin is the one that is prescribed most frequently. For optimal blood glucose control, your physician may prescribe multiple oral diabetic medications concurrently.

Injectable GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists: are primarily used to help individuals with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. There are GLP-1 agonists can be used to treat obesity.

Insulin: Blood sugar levels are immediately lowered by synthetic insulin. Insulin comes in various forms, including long-acting and short-acting varieties. You can use an insulin pump, inhaled insulin, or syringes or pens for injections.

Additional medications: To treat coexisting disorders like high blood pressure and excessive cholesterol, you may take other medicines.

Prevention:

Making good lifestyle decisions can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Modifying your lifestyle can potentially halt or slow the onset of diabetes if you have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

Among the components of a healthy lifestyle are:

Consuming healthy food. Select foods that are higher in fiber and lower in calories and fat. Emphasize whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Taking action. Aim for 150 minutes or more per week of moderate-to-intense aerobic exercise, such as swimming, cycling, jogging, or brisk walking.

Reducing body weight. Reducing your body weight by a small amount and maintaining it will help you postpone the development of type 2 diabetes from prediabetes. Losing 7% to 10% of your body weight can lower your chances of developing diabetes if you already have prediabetes.

Avoiding extended periods of inactivity. Long stretches of inactivity can raise your risk of type 2 diabetes. Every 30 minutes, make an effort to get up and move around for a little while.

References:

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• Diabetes overview. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/all-content. Accessed Dec. 4, 2020.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/diabetes-mellitus-and-disorders-of-carbohydrate-metabolism/diabetic-ketoacidosis-dka. Accessed Dec. 11, 2020.

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