Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Did you know that diabetes has two types? They are called type 1 and type 2. Here, we are talking only about type 2 diabetes (T2D). It is the most common type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition. In this condition, the body either does not make enough insulin or does not use it properly. This raises the blood sugar level. Insulin is a hormone made by an organ called the pancreas. Insulin moves sugar from the blood into the body’s cells. The cells use this sugar for energy. But when insulin does not work properly, sugar stays in the blood and builds up. So, what happens if blood sugar stays high for a long time? It can slowly damage vital organs, such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys, and heart. Type 2 diabetes can affect anyone, even children. But it is more common in adults over 45.

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

Let’s see what can cause type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes mainly happens for two reasons:

• First, the cells in our bodies do not respond to insulin as they should. Insulin helps sugar enter cells. But when the cells stop responding properly, they cannot take in enough sugar. So, the sugar stays in the blood, and blood sugar levels rise. This is called insulin resistance.

• Second, the pancreas (the organ that makes insulin) may not make enough insulin. If there isn’t enough insulin, the cells cannot take in the sugar they need. So again, sugar builds up in the blood.

Let’s see who has a higher chance of getting this condition.

Major Risk Factor:

• Being overweight or obese.

• Not being active and not getting enough exercise.

• Eating unhealthy foods too often.

• Having family members with diabetes (it can run in families).

• Being over 45 years old.

• Women who had gestational diabetes.

• People from certain ethnic groups, like Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, and Asians.

• Having prediabetes (a condition in which blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be called type 2 diabetes).

• Lifestyle habits can also increase the risk, like having too much stress or smoking.

Other Contributing Factors:

• Having high blood pressure.

• Having high cholesterol levels.

• Taking certain medicines, like steroids.

• Having hormonal conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

What Are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?

Did you know that the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can happen very slowly? Sometimes people may not even know they have it for many years. Let’s see what diabetes can make your body go through.

Common Symptoms:

• Going to the bathroom (peeing) very often.

• Feeling very thirsty.

• Feeling hungry all the time.

• Feeling very tired.

• Blurry vision (not seeing clearly).

Other Signs:

• Cuts or sores that heal very slowly.

• Getting infections often.

• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. This nerve damage is called neuropathy.

• Losing weight without trying.

• Dark, thick, velvety skin patches on the neck, under the arms, or around the groin. This is called Acanthosis Nigricans, and it can be a sign that the body is not using insulin properly (insulin resistance).

How Is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?

So, how do doctors find out if someone has type 2 diabetes? They do some simple blood tests. Let’s learn about them!

• Glycated Hemoglobin Test: This is the most common test to check for type 2 diabetes. It is also called the A1C test. It is a measure of the average blood sugar level over the last 2 to 3 months. Here is what the results mean:

  • Below 5.7% - This is healthy.

  • 5.7% to 6.4% - This means prediabetes.

  • 6.5% or higher - This means diabetes.

• Random Blood Sugar Test: This test checks your blood sugar at any time of the day. You do not need to fast. 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or more may mean diabetes.

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: This test is performed after fasting for 8 to 12 hours (usually overnight). It shows how your body controls sugar when you have not eaten. Here is what the results mean:

  • Less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) - Normal.

  • 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) - Prediabetes.

  • 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher - Diabetes.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: For this test, after drinking a sweet drink, your blood sugar is checked 2 hours later. This shows how well your body handles sugar. Here is what the results mean:

  • Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) - Healthy.

  • 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L) - Prediabetes.

  • 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher - Diabetes.

What Are the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes?

Let’s look at the different ways to treat it.

1. Eating Healthy: Eating the right foods helps control blood sugar.

• Eat regular meals and healthy snacks on time.

• Eat smaller portions.

• Choose foods rich in fiber (like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains).

• Eat fewer refined grains and fewer starchy foods.

• Eat less sugary food.

• Choose low-fat meats, low-fat dairy, and fish in moderate amounts.

• Use healthy oils for cooking.

• Limit processed and junk foods.

If you need help, a dietitian can help you choose healthy foods and make a meal plan.

2. Physical Activity: Being active helps control blood sugar and keeps your weight healthy.

• Aerobic Exercises: walking, running, biking, or swimming. Try to be active for about 30 minutes on most days.

• Strength Training: using light weights, machines, or resistance bands. This helps build strength and improve balance.

3. Weight Loss: Losing extra weight can help lower blood sugar.

4. Medicines: If healthy eating and exercise are not enough, doctors may give medicines.

• Metformin is often the first medicine prescribed. Individuals may also need to take vitamin B-12 supplements.

• Sulfonylureas like Glipizide and Glimepiride

• Glinides like Repaglinide and Nateglinide.

• Thiazolidinediones like Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone.

• DPP-4 (Dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors like Alogliptin, Sitagliptin, and Saxagliptin.

• GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists like Dulaglutide and Liraglutide.

• SGLT2 (Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors, like Canagliflozin and Dapagliflozin.

• Doctors may also give medicines to lower blood pressure or cholesterol if needed.

6. Insulin Therapy: Some people may need insulin. Insulin is given by injection or a pump to help move sugar from the blood into the cells for energy.

Types of insulin include:

• Rapid-acting.

• Short-acting.

• Intermediate-acting.

• Long-acting.

• Premixed.

7. Weight-Loss Surgery: This surgery helps people lose weight by limiting food intake. Losing weight can greatly improve blood sugar levels.

What Are the Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?

High blood sugar levels over a long time can slowly damage blood vessels, nerves, and many organs. This can lead to problems called complications.

Here are some possible complications:

• A high risk of heart attack and stroke.

• High blood pressure.

• Atherosclerosis (when the arteries become narrow and hard).

• Nerve damage (causing tingling, numbness, or burning pain in the hands and feet).

• Autonomic neuropathy can affect the digestive system and may also cause problems like erectile dysfunction in men.

• Kidney damage, called nephropathy.

• Eye damage called retinopathy can affect vision.

• Extra fat builds up in the liver, leading to conditions such as cirrhosis or fibrosis.

• A higher risk of infections, like fungal or bacterial skin infections, because the immune system becomes weaker.

• Sores that heal very slowly.

• A higher risk of gum disease.

• A higher chance of feeling very sad or depressed.

• A higher risk of osteoporosis.

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed or Prevented?

Did you know that type 2 diabetes can sometimes be reversed or prevented?

In some people, it can be reversed. This is called remission. Reversal (or remission) means blood sugar levels return to normal without the need for diabetes medicines. But it is not a permanent cure. Diabetes can come back if healthy habits are not continued.

Remission is more likely if:

• A person loses a lot of weight (about 10 to 15% of their body weight).

• They make strict healthy food changes.

• They exercise regularly.

• Sometimes weight-loss (bariatric) surgery is performed.

Remission is more common in younger people, but it is not guaranteed for everyone. Even if diabetes is not fully reversed, healthy habits can still lower the risk of serious problems.

Can diabetes be prevented? Yes, very often it can be prevented, especially in the early stages like prediabetes. Prevention can happen by:

• Losing extra weight.

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet.

• Exercising regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week).

These healthy habits help the body use insulin more effectively, reduce excess fat in organs, and bring blood sugar levels closer to normal.

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

If you are living with diabetes, it is very important to learn about the condition and how to take care of yourself. Making healthy lifestyle changes can really help you stay strong and feel good. If you have diabetes, these steps are very important:

• Watch how many carbs and sugary, or fatty foods you eat. Try to eat healthy meals.

• Exercise regularly, like walking, swimming, or biking.

• Manage your weight and try to stay at a healthy weight.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol.

• Take your medicines on time.

• Check your blood sugar levels regularly.

• Manage stress by relaxing, talking to someone, or doing activities you enjoy.

Conclusion:

Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition. The good news is that it can sometimes be prevented, especially if detected early, when a person is younger. Many people do not notice diabetes for several years because the symptoms can be slow and mild. That is why it is important to get checked. Type 2 diabetes should be managed to maintain blood sugar levels close to normal and avoid health complications. If you have symptoms such as feeling very thirsty, going to the bathroom very often, and feeling hungry all the time, you should have your blood sugar levels checked. If you need help, you can talk to our diabetes specialist.

Key Takeaways:

• Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It affects about 6% of the world’s population.

• In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or does not use it properly. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood.

• Around 1 in 10 people worldwide have diabetes, and about 90% to 95% of all diabetes cases are type 2.

• The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says that adults should start getting checked (screened) for diabetes at age 35 or older.

• Managing type 2 diabetes usually includes healthy lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes insulin.