What is Type 2 Diabetes? – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term chronic condition in which your body’s blood sugar regulation is impaired. This results in excess glucose circulating in your bloodstream, which could lead to disorders affecting your immune, nervous, and circulatory systems. 

Just how prevalent is it? The American Diabetes Association states that in 2019, 37.3 million Americans (11.3% of the population) had diabetes. Of these, roughly 95% have Type 2 diabetes. This condition is more common in older adults that in, say, children. However, people of all ages could be diagnosed. 

Causes 

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your cells don’t respond normally to insulin – a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate your blood sugar levels. This is known as insulin resistance and it could, over time, damage your pancreatic cells and render the organ unable to produce any insulin. 

How does it get to that point? The exact cause is unknown, but the main contributing factors are: 

• Excess weight: Being overweight increases your chances of insulin resistance, especially if the fat is mainly accumulated in your midsection. 

• Genes: Studies have shown that some diabetes-related traits may be inherited. However, merely possessing these strands of DNA does not ensure that you will develop diabetes. 

Some scientists and health experts have also theorized that environmental factors and exposure to viruses may also be contributing factors in developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Symptoms 

Type 2 diabetes symptoms generally take several years to develop. These include: 

• Frequent urination, especially at night 

• Constant hunger 

• Weight loss without trying 

• Blurred vision 

• Slow-healing sores 

• Increased thirst 

• Increased hunger 

• Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet 

• Fatigue 

• Frequent infections 

• Dry skin 

• Areas of darkened skin, particularly in the armpits and neck 

You may already have Type 2 diabetes without your knowledge. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should contact your health provider ASAP for a check-up. 

Risk Factors 

As stated above, the causes for this condition are unknown. However, there are still some factors that could raise your risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. The primary risk factors are: 

• Heart and blood vessel disease 

• Bing overweight or obese 

• High triglycerides 

• Low HDL (good) cholesterol 

• High blood pressure 

• Inactivity (lack of exercise) 

• Depression 

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 

• Prediabetes 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you are at risk of having prediabetes if you: are overweight; are 45 years or older; have a parent or sibling with Type 2 diabetes; are physically active less than three times a week; have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), or are African-American, Latino, Native American, or an Alaska Native person. 

Diagnosis & Treatment 

Blood tests are issued to determine if you have Type 2 diabetes. Doctors usually administer the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test to indicate your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. If an A1C test is not available, your physician may perform any of the following: 

• Random blood sugar test 

• Fasting blood sugar test 

• Oral glucose tolerance test 

• Screening 

You may need to take different tests afterwards to identify whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (read more about Type 1 diabetes here). If you are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you will need to monitor your blood sugar and get tests done regularly. Your doctor may also prescribe insulin as part of your treatment. 

There is no cure for Type 2 diabetes. The good news is that it is manageable, and it is up to you. In fact, Type 2 diabetes may be delayed and even prevented with healthy lifestyle choices. You can drastically reduce your risks of developing serious diabetes-related complications if you: 

• Test your blood sugar and document your results 

• Regulate your carb intake 

• Learn to manage stress and anxiety (mindfulness) 

• Monitor your eyes, skin, and feet to watch for any early signs of change 

• Keep insulin and other products to treat diabetes nearby 

• Exercise regularly or increase your physical activity 

• Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals 

If you are looking for healthy food inspo, visit our Recipes section for simple and delicious meals to balance your diet and help manage your blood sugar. And remember, diabetes does not define you – with a health-conscious mindset you can lead a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.