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Are you uncertain about the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes that you have observed? Millions of people worldwide suffer from this chronic illness, which is characterised by insulin resistance and is frequently hard to identify in its early stages. In 2021, there were more than 537 million adults with diabetes, and by 2045, this figure is predicted to rise. Blood sugar levels rise when the body's cells don't react to insulin as they should, which can cause issues including heart disease, renal failure, and nerve damage if treatment isn't received.
This blog will discuss the causes, symptoms, and available treatments for type 2 diabetes. It will also discuss how important a diabetes-friendly diet is to treat the disease properly.
Synopsis
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where your body has trouble using sugar (glucose) properly. Glucose is your cells' main energy source. In type 2 diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin—a hormone that helps control blood sugar—or it cannot use insulin well. This causes sugar to build up in your blood, which can lead to serious health problems over time
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
While the exact cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, several factors increase the risk of developing the condition:
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Genetics: The risk is increased if diabetes runs in the family.
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Age: Though it’s more common in adults over 45, younger people, including children, are increasingly being diagnosed.
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Obesity: Being overweight, particularly around the belly, is a significant risk factor.
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Physical inactivity: A lack of regular exercise relates to obesity and insulin resistance.
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Other factors: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and gestational diabetes also raise the risk.
Signs of Type 2 Diabetes
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are often minimal or absent. Common symptoms include:
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Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: High blood sugar levels lead to excess glucose in the urine, causing dehydration and frequent urination.
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Fatigue: Inadequate glucose uptake by cells can leave you feeling constantly tired.
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Blurry Vision: High blood sugar can cause swelling in the eye lenses, affecting vision.
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Slow-Healing Wounds: Poor blood circulation and nerve damage impair healing.
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Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet: Peripheral nerve damage, known as neuropathy, is a common symptom.
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Unexplained Weight Loss: Despite increased hunger, weight loss may occur due to the body’s inability to use glucose effectively.
Consult our endocrinologist in Mukundapur if you are experiencing type 2 diabetes symptoms.
How is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?
Doctors employ a variety of tests to assess blood sugar levels and glucose control to establish a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Important diagnostic procedures consist of:
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Fasting Blood Sugar Test (FBS): The FBS test measures blood glucose after at least eight hours of fasting, with a reading of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher indicating diabetes.
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HbA1c test: The HbA1c test reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, with a result of 6.5% or higher confirming the diagnosis of diabetes.
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The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): It measures the body's response to a glucose drink, with a level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher two hours after consumption indicating diabetes.
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Random Blood Sugar Test: Blood sugar can be measured at any time of day with the random blood sugar test.
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and eye issues can result from untreated or inadequately managed type 2 diabetes. To reduce your risk, follow these tips:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
Making changes to diet and activity levels is the cornerstone of diabetes management.
Type 2 Diabetes Patients Diet
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Prioritise whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
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Limit refined carbohydrates, sugars, and trans fats.
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Add in healthy fats from foods like nuts, seeds, and seafood.
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Maintain consistent meal timings to stabilise blood sugar levels.
Exercise
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as brisk walking or swimming. Your body uses insulin more efficiently when you are physically active.
2. Medications
The treatment of type 2 diabetes often involves medications to help manage blood sugar levels effectively. These include:
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Metformin: The first-line oral medication that reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.
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Sulfonylureas: Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin (e.g., glimepiride, glyburide).
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DPP-4 Inhibitors: Help increase insulin secretion and lower glucagon levels (e.g., sitagliptin, saxagliptin).
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SGLT2 Inhibitors: Help the kidneys remove glucose through urine (e.g., empagliflozin, dapagliflozin).
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GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Injectable medications that increase insulin production, slow digestion, and promote weight loss (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide). It has an oral form as well.
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Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Improve insulin sensitivity in tissues (e.g., pioglitazone).
3. Insulin Therapy
In advanced cases, insulin injections may be necessary when the pancreas cannot produce adequate insulin.
4. Regular Monitoring
Frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels helps in assessing the effectiveness of treatment. Patients are encouraged to:
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Use a glucometer for daily readings.
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Every three to six months, get regular HbA1c testing done
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
The risk of type 2 diabetes can be considerably decreased by taking preventative action.
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Maintain a Healthy Weight: The risk can be significantly decreased by losing merely 5–10% of body weight. Ideally, your weight should be around the height in centimetres minus 100 kg.
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Maintain a Balanced Diet: Choose a diet high in fibre, nutrient-dense, and low in processed foods.
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Remain Active: Frequent exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and helps control blood sugar.
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Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: These habits can exacerbate insulin resistance and increase the risk of complications.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is a manageable condition with the right combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and routine monitoring. Recognising the signs of type 2 diabetes early and adopting a structured type 2 diabetes treatment plan can significantly improve quality of life and prevent complications. For personalised care, consult the Endocrinology Department at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, where expert teams are equipped with advanced technology to provide comprehensive treatment and support. Take charge of your health today by booking an appointment with us.
FAQ's
Increased thirst, frequent urination, exhaustion, hazy vision, and wounds that heal slowly are typical symptoms.
Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, the body needs higher levels of insulin to manage blood sugar. Over time, this can lead to higher blood glucose levels and eventually increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Doctors use tests such as fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance to diagnose the condition.
While type 2 diabetes cannot always be reversed, adopting a healthy and carefully managed diet can significantly improve blood sugar control, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of complications. In some cases, substantial weight loss and lifestyle changes, including a diabetes-focused diet, may lead to remission, where blood sugar levels return to a non-diabetic range without the need for medication. However, long-term maintenance of these changes is crucial to sustain the benefits and prevent relapse.
Comprehensive care for type 2 diabetes is offered by Manipal Hospitals, which includes personalised medication management, support for insulin therapy, cutting-edge diagnostic tools like HbA1c and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and professional lifestyle counselling to develop long-lasting diet and exercise regimens. To provide comprehensive and patient-centred care, the hospital's interdisciplinary specialists also handle consequences like heart disease, kidney problems, and neuropathy.
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