Thursday, July 11, 2024

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes: A Complete Guide to Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Management

 Diabetes type 2:


Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes, comprising approximately 90-95% of all case diagnoses. Insulin resistance and a relative deficiency of insulin are the defining features of this chronic metabolic disorder, which is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels.

Factors:


The precise cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown, but it is believed that a variety of factors contribute to its developing:


Insulin Resistance: The body's cells become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
Genetics: The likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes is elevated by a family history of diabetes.
Insulin resistance can be exacerbated by obesity and physical inactivity, particularly in the abdominal region.
Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk.
Age: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, particularly after the age of 45.
Additional Factors: The risk can also be elevated by other factors, including gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Symptoms:

At first, there may be no discernible symptoms of type 2 diabetes; however, as the condition advances, it is common to experience the following symptoms:


Enhanced thirst
Urination on a regular basis
Enhanced appetite
Weight loss that is not explicable
Weakness
Seeing things obscured
Sores that are slow to recover
Tingling or numbness in the limbs or feet
Prognosis:

Blood assays are employed to diagnose type 2 diabetes:


Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Assesses blood sugar levels following an overnight fast.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Assesses blood sugar levels subsequent to the consumption of a sweetened beverage.
Hemoglobin A1c (A1C) Test: Determines the average blood sugar levels over the previous 2-3 months.
Treatment:

The primary objectives of treatment are to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, prevent complications, and enhance overall health. It typically entails:

Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, consistent exercise, and a healthy diet, if necessary.
Medication: In order to regulate blood sugar levels, oral medications or insulin injections may be required.
Regular Monitoring: It is imperative to conduct routine blood sugar checks and medical follow-ups in order to monitor progress and modify treatment as necessary. 

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