Type 2 Diabetes

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder. It results when the body can't make enough insulin, or can't use it properly. Without adequate production or utilization of insulin, the body cannot move blood sugar into the cells. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that has no known cure. It is the most common type of diabetes, also called adult onset diabetes.

What is prediabetes?

In prediabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be defined as diabetes. However, many people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Prediabetes also significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, people with prediabetes can delay or prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown. However, some genetic factors that run in families contribute to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Although a person can inherit a tendency to develop type 2 diabetes, it usually takes other factors, such as obesity or physical inactivity, to bring on the disease.

What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

The following are the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Frequent bladder and skin infections that don't heal easily

• High blood sugar when tested

• High sugar in the urine when tested

• Unusual thirst

• Frequent urination

• Weight loss despite an increase in appetite

• Blurred vision

• Nausea and vomiting

• Extreme weakness and fatigue

• Irritability and mood changes

• Dry, itchy skin

• Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet

• Sexual dysfunction

Some people who have type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms. Symptoms may be mild and almost unnoticeable, or easily confused with normal signs of aging. Half of all Americans who have diabetes do not know it.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include the following:

• Age. People age 45 or older are at higher risk for diabetes.

• Family history of diabetes

• Being overweight

• Not exercising regularly

• Race and ethnicity. Being a member of certain racial and ethnic groups increases the risk for type 2 diabetes. African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, and American Indians are more prone to develop type 2 diabetes than white Americans. 

• Pregnancy

• History of gestational diabetes, or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds

• A low blood level HDL (high-density lipoprotein--the "good cholesterol")

• A high blood triglyceride level

What is the treatment for type 2 diabetes?

Specific treatment for type 2 diabetes will be determined by your doctor based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history

• Extent of the disease

• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

• Expectations for the course of the disease

• Your opinion or preference

The goal of treatment is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.

Emphasis is on control of blood sugar (glucose) by monitoring the levels, regular physical activity, meal planning, and routine health care. Treatment of diabetes is an ongoing process of management and education that includes not only the person with diabetes, but also health care professionals and family members.

Often, type 2 diabetes can be controlled through losing weight, improved nutrition, and exercise alone. However, in some cases, these measures are not enough and either oral or injected medications and/or insulin must be used. Treatment often includes:

• Proper diet

• Weight control

• An appropriate exercise program

• Regular foot inspections

• Oral medications, other medications, and/or insulin replacement therapy, as directed by your doctor. There are various types of medications that may be used to treat type 2 diabetes when lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight loss are not enough. Oral medications of several different types are available, with each type working in a different manner to lower blood sugar. One medication may be combined with another one to improve blood sugar control. When oral medications are no longer effective, insulin or other non-insulin injected medications may be prescribed.
  New medications for treating diabetes are in development.

• Regular monitoring of the hemoglobin A1c levels. The hemoglobin A1c test (also called HbA1c or A1C test) shows the average amount of sugar in the blood over the last three months. The result will indicate if the blood sugar level is under control. The frequency of HbA1c testing will be determined by your doctor. It is recommended that testing occur at least twice a year if the blood sugar level is in the target range and stable, and more frequently if the blood sugar level is unstable.

Untreated or poorly-treated diabetes can cause problems with the kidneys, legs, feet, eyes, heart, nerves, and blood flow, which could lead to kidney failure, gangrene, amputation, blindness, or stroke. For these reasons, it is important to follow a strict treatment plan.

Advances in diabetes research have led to improved methods of managing diabetes and treating its complications. However, scientists continue to explore the causes of diabetes and ways to prevent and treat the disorder. Other methods of giving insulin through inhalers and pills are currently being studied. Scientists are investigating genetic factors involved in type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and some genetic markers for both types have been identified. Bariatric surgery  has been used effectively to help spur weight loss and treat type 2 diabetes.