Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels. It is caused by insulin resistance and a progressive decline in insulin production by the pancreas.
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Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels. It is caused by insulin resistance and a progressive decline in insulin production by the pancreas.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes (also known as diabetes mellitus type 2, or formerly called adult-onset diabetes) is a chronic metabolic disorder in which blood glucose levels remain persistently elevated. Unlike type 1 diabetes, the pancreas initially continues to produce insulin – however, the body´s cells no longer respond to it adequately. This condition is known as insulin resistance. Over time, insulin production itself also decreases.
Causes and Risk Factors
Type 2 diabetes develops through a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors. The most important risk factors include:
- Overweight and obesity, particularly abdominal fat
- Physical inactivity
- An unbalanced diet high in sugar and saturated fats
- Family history of diabetes (genetic predisposition)
- Older age (risk increases significantly after age 45)
- High blood pressure and elevated blood lipids
- History of gestational diabetes
Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually and may go unnoticed for years. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination and excessive thirst
- Persistent fatigue and lack of energy
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds or sores
- Frequent infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, fungal infections)
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
Many people are only diagnosed incidentally during a routine medical check-up.
Diagnosis
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests. Key diagnostic parameters include:
- Fasting blood glucose: A value of ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) is considered diagnostic.
- HbA1c level: This long-term blood sugar marker reflects the average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months. A value of ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) confirms the diagnosis.
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): Blood glucose is measured before and after consuming a glucose solution.
Treatment
Lifestyle Changes
The foundation of any type 2 diabetes treatment is sustainable lifestyle modification, including:
- Weight reduction in overweight individuals
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week)
- A balanced, fiber-rich diet low in sugar and saturated fats
- Smoking cessation and moderate alcohol consumption
Medication
If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, blood glucose-lowering medications may be prescribed:
- Metformin: Considered first-line therapy; reduces glucose production in the liver.
- SGLT-2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin): Promote excretion of glucose through the urine.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide): Stimulate insulin secretion and reduce appetite.
- Insulin therapy: May be necessary in advanced stages of the disease.
Possible Complications
Persistently high blood sugar levels can lead to serious long-term complications, including:
- Heart attack and stroke (cardiovascular disease)
- Diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy)
- Vision loss due to retinal damage (diabetic retinopathy)
- Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
- Diabetic foot syndrome with increased risk of amputation
Prevention
In many cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or significantly delayed through a healthy lifestyle. A nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight are the most effective preventive measures.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Diabetes. Fact Sheet. www.who.int (2023)
- American Diabetes Association (ADA): Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Diabetes Care, Volume 47, Supplement 1 (2024). diabetesjournals.org/care
- International Diabetes Federation (IDF): IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edition. Brussels, Belgium (2021). diabetesatlas.org
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Related search terms: Type 2 Diabetes + Type-2-Diabetes + Diabetes mellitus type 2 + Adult-onset diabetes + Diabetes type II