Type 2 Diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. It can occur when muscle, liver and fat cells develop resistance to insulin. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, kidney disease and stroke, but it is a condition that can be diagnosed and treated.
It is a chronic disease characterized by abnormal blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance. This condition, which is generally known as an adult disease, has started to be seen in children and young individuals as a result of the increase in obesity. Type 2 diabetes is a disease that requires strict follow-up and treatment for life.
What are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
The symptoms of this disease, which usually progresses insidiously, may not be recognized. Type 2 diabetes symptoms are seen due to high blood sugar or complications caused by chronic high blood sugar. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be listed as follows:
- Drinking a lot of water
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Night urination
- Itching
- Quick fatigue
- Feeling of extreme hunger
- Abnormal and unexpected weight loss
- Delayed healing of wounds
- Blurring of the eyes
- Feeling of extreme fatigue
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is mainly the result of two problems: Cells in muscle, fat and liver become resistant to insulin. As a result, the cells cannot get enough sugar. The pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep blood sugar in a healthy range.
In addition to these, the causes of Type 2 diabetes include 3 main factors: genetic predisposition, sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle and old age. Especially people with overweight and obesity are more likely to develop diabetes. However, risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes include
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- Those with excess fat around the waist
- Low levels of physical activity
- Poor and unhealthy diet
- Having high cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- People diagnosed with hidden diabetes
- Those diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Delivering a baby weighing more than 4 kilograms
In addition, factors that can negatively affect type 2 diabetes include depression, stress and different psychological problems, too little physical activity, smoking and similar tobacco use, sleeping too little or sleeping too much.
How is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis of diabetes is important. If diagnosed early, it can be taken under control and possible complications can be prevented. The diagnostic criteria applied in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes are as follows:
Fasting Blood Sugar: Depending on fasting blood sugar, more than one measurement is required to make a diagnosis. Diabetes is diagnosed if fasting blood sugar is above 126 mg/dl.
Glucose Tolerance Test: 75 grams of glucose is diluted and given to the person without eating anything during the night and blood glucose is measured 2 hours later. Above 200mg/dl is classified as diabetes.
Urinalysis: Positive glucose in urinalysis is an auxiliary factor for diagnosis.
What are the Treatment Methods for Type 2 Diabetes?
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes is usually done with lifestyle changes and some treatment methods. Treatment includes healthy eating, regular exercise and physical activity, weight loss, diabetes medication, insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring. These steps can increase the likelihood of keeping blood sugar at healthy levels and help prevent possible complications. The applications to be made in treatment are as follows:
- As a healthy diet, it is recommended to consume low-fat, low-calorie, high-fiber foods containing vegetables and fruits and whole grains.
- By avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol, you can strengthen the health of the heart, blood vessels, liver and pancreas.
- Blood and urine tests should be performed and controlled by a specialist at regular intervals.
- If deemed necessary by the doctor, drug treatment can be started
- Insulin therapy may be initiated when medications do not help
- Weight loss surgery (obesity surgery) can be performed in cases where people who are overweight and obese cannot control their weight and are considered risky by the doctor.
