Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body metabolizes glucose (sugar), your body's main source of energy. With this condition, your body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

Key Risk Factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity
• Age (especially over 45)
• Family history
• Race/ethnicity (higher risk in certain populations)
• History of gestational diabetes
• Poor diet high in processed foods

Common Symptoms

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections
• Unexplained weight loss
• Numbness or tingling in hands/feet

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Fasting Blood Glucose Test
• A1C Test
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

Treatment Options

Lifestyle Changes

• Regular physical activity
• Healthy diet
• Weight management
• Blood sugar monitoring

Medications

• Metformin (first-line treatment)
• Sulfonylureas
• DPP-4 inhibitors
• GLP-1 receptor agonists
• SGLT2 inhibitors
• Insulin therapy (when needed)

Complications

Untreated diabetes can lead to:

• Heart disease
• Kidney damage
• Eye problems
• Nerve damage
• Foot problems

Prevention and Management

1. Maintain a healthy weight
2. Exercise regularly (150 minutes/week)
3. Eat a balanced diet
4. Monitor blood sugar regularly
5. Take medications as prescribed
6. Attend regular check-ups

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you:

• Experience severe symptoms
• Have consistently high blood sugar readings
• Develop signs of complications
• Need help managing your diabetes