Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common and widespread chronic diseases in the world and is considered one of the biggest health challenges facing modern medical systems. Millions of people worldwide are estimated to suffer from it, and the number of cases is steadily increasing due to changes in lifestyle, diet, and lack of physical activity.

In this article, we review everything related to this serious disease in a simplified and comprehensive manner.

What is type 2 diabetes?

It is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from the body's resistance to insulin or insufficient insulin secretion from the pancreas. Unlike type 1 diabetes, this type develops gradually and often affects adults, but it has recently begun to appear in children and adolescents due to rising obesity rates.

The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Comparison: Type 1 vs. Type 2

Cause: An immune system disorder that attacks pancreatic cells, insulin resistance or partial deficiency.

Age: Often in childhood or adolescence, often in adulthood or old age.

Treatment: Insulin only. Lifestyle changes + medications and possibly insulin.

Preventable: Not preventable. Highly preventable.

Causes:

Genetics: A family history increases the risk.

Obesity: Especially abdominal fat accumulation.

Physical inactivity: Inactivity is a major risk factor.

Poor diet: Processed foods and foods high in sugar.

Age: The risk increases after the age of 40.

Chronic stress.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Excessive Thirst

Frequent Urination

Fatigue and Weakness

Blurred Vision

Slow Wound Healing

Recurrent Skin or Urinary Tract Infections

Unexplained Weight Loss (in advanced cases)

Risk Factors

· Excessive Obesity

· High Blood Pressure

· High Cholesterol

· Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

· Previous Gestational Diabetes

· Chronic Sleep Deprivation

· Smoking

Diagnosis

Fasting Blood Sugar: Greater than 126 mg/dL

Random Blood Sugar: Greater than 200 mg/dL

HbA1c Test: Greater than 6.5%

Glucose Tolerance Test: Used in Special Cases

Treatment

First: Lifestyle Changes

Follow a Low-Sugar, High-Fiber Diet

Eat Vegetables, Whole Grains, and Healthy Proteins

Reduce Refined Carbohydrates and Saturated Fats

Exercise at Least 30 Minutes Daily

Reduce Stress and Get Good Sleep

Second: Medications

Metformin: Most commonly used

Insulin secretagogues (such as sulfonylureas)

SGLT2 inhibitors

GLP-1 agonists

Sometimes: insulin if oral medications are insufficient

Complications of type 2 diabetes

Heart disease and stroke

Diabetic retinopathy (vision loss)

Kidney failure

Neuropathy (numbness in the extremities)

Foot ulcers that may lead to amputation

Sexual dysfunction in men

Dental and gum problems

Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight

Exercise regularly

Eat a balanced diet

Stop smoking

Control blood pressure and cholesterol

Regular blood sugar checks, especially if you are in a high-risk group

Latest research

Intermittent fasting may help reduce insulin resistance

The role of supplements such as vitamin D and magnesium

Ketogenic diets (under medical supervision)

New medications that simultaneously treat diabetes and lose weight, such as Semaglutide

Using artificial intelligence to track blood sugar levels and nutrition in real time

Conclusion

Type 2 diabetes is not a death sentence. It can be controlled and its complications prevented if detected early and treated seriously.

Awareness is the first line of defense, and knowledge is the first step toward prevention and treatment.

• This information is not a substitute for a visit to the doctor.