Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which blood glucose levels are elevated due to insulin resistance and a relative deficiency of this hormone. Symptoms can be mild and may remain unnoticed for years, so the disease is often detected already at the stage of complications. Let's calmly break down how it all happens and what to pay attention to.
What insulin is and what breaks down in type 2 diabetes
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin properly, and over time there may not be enough of it. At the core is insulin resistance: cells of muscles, liver, and adipose tissue do not respond to normal levels of the hormone. Under such conditions, the liver releases glucose into the blood inappropriately, and the beta cells of the pancreas produce insufficient insulin against the background of tissue resistance. Excess body fat is considered the main cause of the disease in people with a genetic predisposition. What to remember: type 2 diabetes is a combination of insulin resistance and a relative lack of it, not a complete absence of the hormone.
Prediabetes: the window in which intervention is still possible
Impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose are intermediate states between normal and diabetes. People with such impairments have a high risk of progression to type 2 diabetes, although this is not inevitable. Lifestyle changes are the best way to delay or prevent the onset of the disease. What to remember: prediabetes is an intermediate state, and lifestyle changes can delay or prevent diabetes.
Early signs that are often ignored
The classic manifestations are excessive thirst, frequent urination, constant hunger, and weight loss. Other possible symptoms include blurred vision, itching, fatigue, and recurrent infections. In type 2 diabetes, symptoms are usually milder than in type 1 and may appear years after the onset of the disease. Many people have no symptoms at all in the first years, and the disease is detected during a routine examination. What to remember: the absence of complaints does not mean the absence of disease.
Who is in the risk group
Factors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes include excess weight, insufficient physical activity, and heredity. A combination of lifestyle factors and hereditary traits is also considered a cause, and lack of sleep is linked to effects on metabolism.
- age
- lack of sleep
- certain medications — glucocorticoids, thiazides, beta-blockers, atypical antipsychotics, statins; the doctor takes this into account when assessing risk
- certain conditions — acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma
What to remember: some factors — weight, diet, movement — can be changed, while age and heredity cannot.
Complications with late detection
Over time, elevated glucose levels damage the vessels of the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a reduction in life expectancy of approximately ten years, in particular due to complications. Among them are a 2–4 times higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a 20 times higher risk of lower limb amputation, and an increased risk of kidney failure and vision loss. Early detection helps prevent the worst consequences. What to remember: complications develop gradually, and it is early detection that gives time to delay them.
When and how to check sugar levels
The best way to detect diabetes early is regular check-ups and blood tests with a doctor. Early diagnosis can be ensured by relatively inexpensive glucose testing. The doctor assesses complaints, risk factors, and examination results, and if necessary refers for further tests. If you have excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of diabetes, discuss with your family doctor whether testing is appropriate. What to remember: a routine visit to the doctor is the simplest path to early detection.
Call an ambulance immediately (103 or 112) if: there is reduced consciousness in a person with diabetes (hyperosmolar coma is possible), loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, or signs of stroke.
This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation — make decisions about examination together with your family doctor.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer