Type 2 Diabetes: Understanding and Managing the Condition
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. It is the most common form of diabetes worldwide and often develops in adulthood, although rates in younger people are rising.[1]
Common Symptoms
- Increased thirst and frequent urination.
- Unexpected weight loss or gain.
- Fatigue and lack of energy.
- Blurred vision and slow-healing cuts or infections.
- Numbness or tingling in extremities (neuropathy).
Causes & Risk Factors
- Insulin resistance — cells do not respond well to insulin.
- Obesity or overweight, especially around the abdomen.[2]
- Physical inactivity and poor diet.
- Family history of Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
- Age (risk increases after 45) and certain ethnic backgrounds.
Diagnosis
- Fasting plasma glucose test.
- Oral glucose tolerance test.
- HbA1c (average blood sugar over 2–3 months).
- Routine screenings for complications: kidney, eye, cardiovascular, nerve damage.
Management & Treatment
Key point: While Type 2 diabetes is chronic, proper lifestyle changes and medications can control blood sugar and prevent complications.[1]
- Lifestyle changes: healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management.
- Medications: metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, or insulin if needed.[2]
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose at home or via continuous glucose monitors.
- Routine medical checkups to prevent or detect complications early.
Prevention & Risk Reduction
- Maintain healthy body weight and waist circumference.
- Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity).
- Eat a balanced diet low in processed sugars and refined carbs.
- Do not smoke and limit alcohol intake.
- Monitor blood sugar regularly if at risk.
Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes
- Follow your medication and blood sugar monitoring plan.
- Attend regular checkups for eyes, kidneys, and cardiovascular health.
- Stay active and manage stress.
- Educate yourself and family about symptoms and flare-ups.