Last updated on : 15 Jul, 2024
Read time : 14 min
Diabetes type 2 is characterised by a disturbance in the mechanisms by which the body controls and utilises sugar (also known as glucose) as energy. A deficiency of insulin causes blood sugar levels to increase continuously. High blood sugar usually causes cardiovascular, neurological, and immune system disorders. Two primary problems arise in type 2 diabetes, and they are connected. When you don’t have enough of the hormone insulin, which controls how much sugar is taken up by cells, your cells do not even react well to insulin, so they carry in less glucose. Diabetes type 2 was once known as adult-onset diabetes; however, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can start at any point in a person’s life, including childhood and adulthood. Type 2 diabetes has always been more common in older people, but the rise in childhood obesity has caused some younger people to get it more often.
Type 2 diabetes may be controlled with lifestyle changes such as dieting and exercise, but presently there is no effective cure. If a healthy diet and regular exercise aren’t enough to keep your blood sugar levels stable, you may need diabetes medicines or insulin treatment.
Different types of Diabetes mellitus include:
The following are some examples of rare types of diabetes:
Diabetes type 2 is a condition in which the body is unable to make proper use of the glucose that is produced from meals. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, aids in the more efficient utilisation of glucose (sugar) by your cells. However, when people are older, the pancreas secretes less insulin, and your cells become more sensitive to its effects. Due to this, you’ll experience an excessive accumulation of sugar in your blood. The increased levels of blood sugar are characterised by Type 2 diabetes, which may cause a variety of serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and even death.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of the disease, and its primary cause is high blood sugar (also known as glucose). As a consequence of this condition that continues for a long time (chronic), glucose accumulates in the circulation. High blood sugar levels are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and autoimmune disorders. The two main causes of type 2 diabetes are both interconnected and complex. Low blood sugar happens when the cells of the body don’t take in enough glucose because the pancreas isn’t making enough insulin.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus was formerly known as adult-onset diabetes; however, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may develop at any age. As the number of overweight children and teenagers continues to rise, increasing numbers of young people are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The following factors may raise your chance of developing type 2 diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes symptoms usually develop over a prolonged period of time. In actuality, type 2 diabetes may be present for years without symptoms. Here are some possible signs and symptoms:
Type 2 diabetes symptoms can appear gradually over several years and be so subtle that you aren’t aware that you have the disease. In many cases, there are no obvious signs of type 2 diabetes symptoms at all. People with diabetes might not know they have it until they have health problems caused by it, like vision problems or heart disease.
To regulate blood sugar levels, the pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin. It plays an important role in the transformation of glucose, a molecule that can be present in food, into energy so your cells can make use of it. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus have insulin produced by their pancreas; however, this insulin is not used by the cells.
Type 2 diabetes is typically caused by a variety of factors. In some cases, these factors may include:
Your doctor may diagnose diabetes with the following blood tests
Type 2 diabetes is mostly diagnosed with the glycated haemoglobin (A1C) test. The fasting oral glucose tolerance test is used to measure how much sugar is in the blood over a period of two to three months.
Based on the report’s results, the following is indicated:
A blood sample is collected in the morning after a good night’s sleep. The results should be considered as follows:
In comparison to the other tests, this is used very rarely during pregnancy. In the morning, you’ll need to consume sugary drinks in the doctor’s office after fasting all night. The patient’s blood sugar will be tracked for the following two hours. The results should be interpreted as follows, depending on the information found:
The patient doesn’t have to fast before this lab test, so it can be done whenever it’s possible.
Some people with type 2 diabetes mellitus may keep the disease under control by making modest adjustments to their diet and lifestyle. If that is unsuccessful, there are several medication treatments. There are numerous different drugs in this group.
Diet and exercise alone may be sufficient to help you achieve your blood sugar goals.
Getting fit: If you’re overweight, losing weight may benefit you. Although a weight loss of 5 percent or less is impressive, experts believe that dropping at least 7 percent of your body fat and keeping it off is best. So, if you weigh 180 pounds, you may lower your blood sugar by dropping only 13 pounds. Although losing weight may seem impossible at first, focusing on food management and eating healthily is a good place to start.
To maintain excellent health, eat a varied and balanced diet that includes: If you have type 2 diabetes, there is no special diet you need to follow. If you want to learn more about carbohydrates and create a sustainable meal plan, consulting with a professional dietician is a good place to start.
Start exercising: You should aim for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Any activity that raises your heart rate, such as walking, bicycling, or swimming, will work. Mix in some strength exercises, like yoga or lifting weights. Take a meal when you go to the gym if you take medicine that decreases your blood sugar.
Manage your blood sugar levels: Your doctor will inform you whether or not you need to test your blood sugar levels and how regularly you should do so based on the therapy that you are currently getting, especially if you are taking insulin. For more details on the hormones involved, read our article on insulin and glucagon function.
If you want to prevent having type 2 diabetes, a healthy lifestyle is always your best opportunity, especially if you have a family history of the condition. If you have prediabetes, making changes to your life may slow or stop the start of diabetes.
The following are some aspects of a healthy way of life:
Close diabetes monitoring is especially crucial during illness. A simple cold may be deadly if it develops insulin sensitivity and high blood sugar levels. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, so their bodies don’t digest glucose properly. Your blood sugar (also known as glucose) levels rise. Having high blood sugar levels is harmful. However, type 2 diabetes may be controlled. Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level necessitates a combination of regular activity and a nutritious diet. There’s a chance you’ll require medicine or insulin, too. If you have Type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor often and check your blood sugar levels at home on a regular basis.
All of the aforementioned drugs should be used only when prescribed by a doctor. If you want to buy these medications, please visit the pharmacist at the nearest drugstore. If you are searching for home delivery, a discount offer, or monthly savings on your bill, or if the pharmacy cannot provide the medications you want, you may also use an online platform like Truemeds. Our online pharmacy, Truemeds, provides the highest-quality medications at the lowest prices. We provide all varieties of medications, including branded, over-the-counter, and nutritional supplements, as well as generic medicines online at an affordable price. With free home delivery, you may save up to 72% when you purchase medications online from Truemeds.
Disclaimer
Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.
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