Diabetes Type2: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Diabetes Type2?

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism. The food we eat is broken down into glucose (a form of sugar) which is the main source of energy. Insulin works along with glucose to help it enter the body’s cells to be burned for energy. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach.
In people with diabetes, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced.  This causes glucose levels in the blood to rise, creating a condition of high blood sugar or diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesnot release enough insulin or the insulin released doesnot work properly.

Recovery Time

There is no recovery from diabetes. Maintaining the correct weight, proper exercising, and diet can help you control it to have a normal life.

Diagnosis

  Diagnosis is done by the following tests                

• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
• Random blood sugar test
• Fasting blood sugar test (FPG)
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

 

FAQs prepared by doctor

Q1. What is Diabetes Type2?
Diabetes Type 2 or late onset diabetes is caused due to decreased functioning of the Beta cells producing insulin or due to decreased sensitivity of the muscles to insulin to uptake glucose resulting in elevated levels of glucose in blood.

Q2. What causes Diabetes Type2?
Urban sedentary lifestyle causing weight gain, lack of physical exercise, intake of junk food, all increase the risk of type 2 Diabetes. Genetics also plays a role in causing Diabetes Type 2 to some extent.

Q3. What is the treatment for Diabetes Type2?
Diabetes Type 2 is managed with lifestyle changes initially. These measures include weight reduction, regular physical exercise along with strict diabetic diet. If these measures fail then different types of medication are started depending on individual body structure and the elevation of blood glucose levels.

Q4. What are the complications of Diabetes Type2?
Persistent elevation of blood glucose over a period of years cause end organ damage like Kidney failure, Diabetic retinopathy, Peripheral and Autonomic Neuropathy, Diabetic foot and Heart disease and Stroke.
Aggressive treatment with certain drugs sometimes causes Hypoglycemia.

Q5. Can I live a normal life with Diabetes Type2?
Yes, you can live a normal life with Diabetes Type2, provided you keep the blood glucose levels in normal limits with strict diabetic diet, regular physical exercise and regular medication. Regular blood tests are also recommended to watch for complications and proactive treatment accordingly.

Q6. How do I prevent Diabetes Type 2?
You can prevent Diabetes Type 2 to some extent by leading an active lifestyle with proper diet and regular aerobic exercise. Keep your BMI and waist to hip ration in normal range.