What Is Type 2 Diabetes : Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it, causing blood sugar levels to rise. It accounts for approximately 90–95% of diabetes cases globally .
Symptoms often develop gradually, making early detection challenging. Key indicators include:
- Increased thirst, frequent urination, and heightened hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue, blurred vision, dry skin
- Slow-healing wounds, tingling or numbness in limbs
- Recurrent yeast or urinary infections (especially in women)
While Type 2 diabetes was once considered a disease of middle and older age, it is increasingly seen in younger adults and even adolescents. Those most at risk include:
- People over 45—but increasingly younger age groups too
- Individuals who are overweight, sedentary, or belong to high-risk ethnic groups (like South Asians, African Americans)
- Those with family history, high blood pressure, or prior gestational diabetes In India, the prevalence of diabetes has soared—from 7.1% in 2009 to 8.9% in 2019—with over half of cases remaining undiagnosed and a faster progression from prediabetes noted among South Asians
The root cause lies in insulin resistance—the body’s cells do not respond well to insulin. Over time, the pancreas can’t produce enough to compensate. Several factors contribute:
- Excess body weight, especially abdominal fat
- Poor diet, lack of physical activity
- Genetic predisposition, along with age and ethnic
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests:
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
- HbA1c, reflecting average blood sugar over 2–3 months
Often, the disease is discovered during routine screenings since early symptoms can be silent.
Effects on the Body: A Cascade of Complications:
High blood sugar harms nearly every system, leading to:
- Cardiovascular disease: Doubles risk of heart attack and stroke
- Microvascular damage:
- Retinopathy and vision loss
- Kidney disease, a leading cause of chronic kidney failure
- Neuropathy, leading to pain, numbness, and diabetic foot ulcers
- Digestive issues (e.g., gastroparesis), sexual dysfunction, hearing loss, gum disease, skin conditions, cognitive decline, and dementia.
Life expectancy may be reduced by around ten years if complications arise
Proactive measures can significantly alter the disease’s course:
- Maintain target blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medications
- Regular medical checkups—monitor eyes, feet, kidneys, and cardiovascular health
- Lifestyle habits matter: good sleep patterns (7–9 hours) help reduce microvascular risks like vision and kidney issues
- Embrace anti-inflammatory foods to curb complications like heart disease and neuropathy
Conclusion: A Call to Awareness
Type 2 diabetes may start quietly, but its impact can be profound. Recognizing risk factors, catching early symptoms, and committing to lifestyle changes can transform a potentially debilitating disease into a manageable one. Knowledge, early detection, and consistent care are the strongest defenses.
