General Information About Type 2 Diabetes
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
Type 2 diabetes, typically developing on a background of insulin resistance, is a condition where the pancreas produces insulin, but the cellular receptors fail to respond (remain closed), preventing glucose uptake and leading to its toxic accumulation in the blood vessels.
The most significant adversaries are Obesity and Abdominal Fat Accumulation. Fat in the abdominal region renders cells 'blind' to insulin (Insulin Resistance). A sedentary lifestyle, a family history of diabetes, and being over 40 years of age are major risk factors.
It can progress insidiously for years without manifesting any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they include dry mouth, excessive thirst, frequent urination, postprandial somnolence (drowsiness after meals), blurred vision, numbness in the feet, and delayed wound healing.
High glucose levels in the blood act like an acid, damaging the vascular endothelium. It disrupts the structure of retinal vessels leading to blindness (retinopathy), clogs renal filters causing kidney failure (nephropathy), and can induce myocardial infarction. Because it destroys peripheral nerves in the feet, wounds go unnoticed, potentially leading to toe or foot amputations (Diabetic Foot).
A definitive diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes is established if the Fasting Blood Glucose is 126 mg/dL or higher tested at two different times after at least an 8-hour fast, or if the HbA1C test, which indicates the 3-month average blood sugar, is 6.5% or higher.
If some patients lose weight (10-15%) and exercise while adhering to a sugar-free/low-carbohydrate diet, the disease can enter a state of 'sleep' (remission), allowing the patient to live without medication.
In medical treatment, oral tablets (like Metformin) that reduce insulin resistance are initially prescribed. When necessary, new generation antidiabetic oral agents can be added to the regimen. When the pancreas becomes completely exhausted, external insulin injection therapy is initiated.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
