Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly. This occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter the body's cells for energy. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used by the body's cells, leading to high blood sugar levels, a condition called hyperglycemia. According to the CDC, as of 2022, approximately 37 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90-95% of all cases of diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which typically develops in childhood or adolescence and requires insulin treatment, type 2 diabetes develops gradually over time. Various factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors, such as obesity and physical inactivity, can influence it. High insulin levels can be present for years before becoming type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, most doctors don't test insulin levels and wait until diabetes (high blood sugar) develops to intervene. Even then, their approach is essentially a pharmaceutical one which is a shame because, in many cases, insulin resistance could be so easily reversed with diet.
The incidence of type 2 diabetes in the United States has been increasing steadily over the past several decades, primarily driven by rising rates of obesity and physical inactivity. Diabetes is also more common in certain racial and ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and American Indians/Alaska Natives, compared to non-Hispanic whites. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, blurred vision, fatigue, and slow healing of cuts and bruises. If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage. However, with proper treatment and management, many people with type 2 diabetes can live a healthy and active life.
The primary goal of treatment is to lower blood sugar levels to a target range to prevent or delay complications associated with diabetes. Initially, patients may be given a few months of diet and lifestyle modifications to control their blood glucose levels. A healthy diet low in sugar, fat, and calories can help maintain blood sugar levels. Physical activity and weight management can help lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of heart disease and other complications associated with diabetes.
If this trial falls, the first line of pharmacological therapy is standard-release metformin, whose dose is increased over time to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal disturbances. In some patients, metformin may be contraindicated or not tolerated (potentially due to poor renal function putting them at risk of lactic acidosis). In this case, the first-line drug would be gliptin, sulfonylureas, or pioglitazone. Progressing through treatment options, if beta cell function has declined massively, patients may be started on insulin-based therapy. In addition to these treatments, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is essential in managing type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes should also receive regular eye exams, foot exams, and kidney function tests to monitor for complications associated with the disease.
For more information about type 2 diabetes prevention, please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 or contact us online. Schedule your consultation with the best doctors in Lynn, MA!
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