Nearly 3 million Poles have type 2 diabetes, with as many as 90% of diabetics struggling specifically with type 2. The good news is that it can be avoided or the development of symptoms can be delayed.
In this article, we will discuss what type 2 diabetes is, where it comes from, what symptoms it gives and how to protect yourself from it.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the patient’s body does not use it effectively.
As a result, too much sugar remains in the blood and is not used as an energy source by the body’s cells. It is insulin that is needed for glucose to enter the cells.
Type 2 diabetes usually affects the elderly, and was once even called “senile diabetes.” However, due to rising rates of obesity, Younger and younger people are beginning to suffer from it. It has become a disease of civilization!
Type 2 diabetes: symptoms that should worry you
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually appear slowly, develop over many years and can be so inconspicuous that they go unnoticed.
Some people do not realize they are suffering from the disease until they develop complications of diabetes.
In the early stages, although the pancreas produces insulin, it does not release it properly, which takes longer than it should. However, at this stage, blood sugar levels usually remain normal.
Over time, insulin resistance (the body’s resistance to insulin), which is heavily influenced by excess body fat, forces the pancreas to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
After a few years of doing this, the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas wear out and produce less insulin. Then blood sugar levels begin to rise, leading to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- greater thirst and hunger,
- weight gain,
- dry mouth,
- More frequent urination,
- fatigue, weakness,
- visual disturbances,
- heavy breathing,
- hard-to-heal wounds,
- erectile dysfunction,
- urinary tract infections,
- Itching, especially in the groin and vaginal areas,
- interdigital ringworm,
- Tingling or numbness in the feet and hands,
- palpable acetone in the breath (indicating the development of ketoacidosis).
Diagnosis for type 2 diabetes
Random Plasma Glucose (RPG), Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) are most commonly used to diagnose diabetes.
The Polish Society of Diabetology provides diagnostic criteria for diabetes with these tests.
Diabetes is evidenced by symptoms and an adventure blood glucose test result ≥ 200 mg/dl (≥ 11.1 mmol/l).
If the adiposity glycemia is normal, but the HbA1c result is ≥ 6.5% (≥ 48 mmol/ mol) or the fasting blood glucose level in each of the two measurements gives results ≥ 126 mg/dl (≥ 7.0 mmol/l), diabetes is also diagnosed.
It is also diagnosed when the 120th minute OGTT oral glucose tolerance test yields a result ≥ 200 mg/dl (≥ 11.1 mmol/L).
What causes type 2 diabetes? Causes and risk factors
Two main factors lead to type 2 diabetes: problems with insulin production and insulin resistance.
When does type 2 diabetes start? At risk are people over the age of 45, overweight, with lipid disorders, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
The risk of developing the disease increases if there are already cases of diabetes in the immediate family, the person has a diagnosed pre-diabetic condition or has undergone gestational diabetes.
Lack of physical activity also increases the risk.
Is it possible to avoid getting type 2 diabetes?
Proper diet and physical activity are very effective in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes. The patient’s commitment to changing his lifestyle to one more conducive to health is invaluable in the case of type 2 diabetes.
Regular physical activity and normal body fat reduce insulin resistance – one of the key causes of disease.
It is also very important to respond early to the pre-diabetic state, which often precedes type 2 diabetes.
It occurs when blood sugar levels are above normal, but not enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It is an alarming condition that needs to be taken seriously to protect yourself from developing diabetic symptoms.
It is then worth taking even stronger care of healthy habits, regular exercise and proper nutrition.
Proper disease management: tips
People with type 2 diabetes must remain under the regular care of a diabetologist and have their blood sugar levels checked regularly. The traditional method of measurement is the glucometer, but its use involves painful puncturing of the skin.
Other measurement methods are also being developed, including. Diabetomat, which determines blood sugar levels based on diabetes biomarkers present in the breath.
Simply blow air into the device to measure sugar levels. Check out more information on how the Diabetomat works.
Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes take medication to reduce insulin resistance. When blood sugar levels continue to rise despite treatment, therapy may include other anti-diabetic drugs (oral or injectable).
If this proves ineffective, it means a lack of insulin production in the pancreas, necessitating the use of insulin.
It is very important that patients keep their blood pressure and cholesterol at appropriate levels. Exercise, tailored to the individual’s abilities, and a diabetic diet are also recommended.
Complications of type 2 diabetes
Due to diabetic complications, every 6 seconds in the world someone dies! If type 2 diabetes is not properly treated, it can lead to:
- Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy),
- stroke,
- dementia,
- Renal dysfunction (diabetic nephropathy),
- cardiovascular diseases,
- heart attack,
- vision problems,
- sleep apnea,
- diabetic foot syndrome,
- inflammation of the gums,
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),
- sexual problems,
- bladder problems,
- depression,
- certain types of cancer.
Severely elevated blood glucose levels combined with low insulin levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
In contrast, too much insulin, mismatched with diet and physical activity, can lead to hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels that are too low).
Therefore, even if there are no visible symptoms, it is good if people at risk of type 2 diabetes go for preventive blood glucose testing once a year. This facilitates early diagnosis and prompt implementation of appropriate treatment.
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. The good news is that there are effective methods to prevent this disease or at least delay its development.
The key is to implement dietary and lifestyle changes early, which can significantly improve the health prognosis of those at risk for type 2 diabetes.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with diabetes and would like to know when non-invasive sugar monitoring with Diabetomat will be possible – contact us. We will inform you when the device goes on sale.
