Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body has trouble using insulin, which helps cells take in glucose from the blood.
Insulin is produced by beta cells in the pancreas. The inability to use insulin effectively leads to high blood sugar and other problems with metabolism, including:
- Weight gain and obesity
- Damage to organs, including the kidneys, eyes, heart, and nerves
- Increased risk for heart disease and stroke
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is caused by a combination of lifestyle choices and genetics. Some people are more susceptible to this disease than others because they have a family history of diabetes or obesity. Those who are overweight or obese are much more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes than those who maintain an appropriate weight.
Physically inactive individuals are also at higher risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. Inactivity is one of the most significant contributors because it leads to poor circulation, reduces insulin sensitivity, and increases insulin resistance.
Other lifestyle choices that can increase your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes include eating high-fat foods and drinking too much alcohol.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes can include:
- Increased urination, which may result in increased thirst
- Increased hunger, which may lead to weight loss and muscle wasting
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
What are the Risk Factors?
There are several risk factors for developing type 2 Diabetes:
Age. You’re more likely to develop type 2 Diabetes as you get older. This is because your body becomes less sensitive to insulin as you age, and it’s more difficult for the pancreas to produce enough insulin to keep up with your body’s needs.
Family History. If your parents had type 2 Diabetes and were overweight at any point in their lives, you’re at increased risk for developing diabetes.
Obesity or Being Overweight. A person’s weight may also directly affect the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin and insulin sensitivity. As blood sugar levels rise after eating, the pancreas pumps more insulin to back them down again. But if you have too much fat around your middle, it can be more difficult for the pancreas to produce enough insulin and maintain blood sugar levels.
Gestational Diabetes. People who have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or who delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds, those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol, physically inactive people
How is Type 2 Diabetes Different from Type 1 Diabetes?
It is a disease affecting many different body organs, including the brain and eyes. It is characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels caused by insulin resistance and a lack of insulin production. Type 1 Diabetes, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its beta cells (which produce insulin).
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented or Reversed?
It is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, affecting over 500 million people worldwide. It’s characterized by high blood sugar levels that can’t be controlled with diet and exercise alone.
The good news is that there are several ways to prevent or even reverse the disease. Here are some of the best ways to help keep your blood sugar under control:
1. Start exercising.
2. Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese.
3. Eat healthfully and limit sugary foods and drinks in your diet.
What are the Complications of Having Type 2 Diabetes?
The complications of having this form of diabetes are wide-ranging and can be life-threatening. The most common complications include the following:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Eye problems
- Kidney disease
- Frequent infections
How is Type 2 Diabetes Treated?
This form of diabetes is treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Medications are used to lower blood glucose levels.
Lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, which helps you lose weight and reduce the risk of other health problems.
Diabetes medications work by lowering blood glucose levels. Metformin is the most common type of diabetes medication, which helps your body use insulin better.
Metformin lowers blood glucose levels by helping your liver release more of its stored sugar into your bloodstream, which reduces the amount of glucose in your blood.
Other diabetes medications include sulfonylureas (such as glipizide), meglitinides (such as nateglinide), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (such as acarbose), thiazolidinediones (such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone), or DPP-4 inhibitors (such as sitagliptin).
These medications work by increasing insulin production, slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the stomach, or improving insulin sensitivity in muscle cells so that more glucose can be used for energy instead of being stored as fat.
It’s important to know that there are treatment options available. Medeor Hospital is a leading provider of diabetes treatment in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Our experts have the most up-to-date knowledge about the latest treatments and technologies available for diabetes. We use our expertise to deliver comprehensive care that improves your quality of life while lowering your risk of complications. We aim to help you manage your condition to live a healthy life.
