Diabetes type 2

• Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar levels
• Type 2 diabetes symptoms may include feeling thirsty all the time, feeling tired, peeing more than usual, and slow wound healing
• Treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus can help keep your blood sugar levels steady and consists of lifestyle changes and medication

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition affecting about 10% of the population worldwide. This condition happens due to the body not responding well to the hormone insulin, which causes high blood sugar levels. Knowing your risk for this condition and recognizing the symptoms of diabetes type 2 can help you get to a diagnosis early on. With the appropriate treatment, your risk of complications decreases notably. 

Diabetes type 2, also known as type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, is a common condition in which the body’s cells do not respond well to the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to make sugar in the blood accessible to the body for energy. If you have diabetes type 2, then you have a problem bringing sugar into the cells. This causes the sugar to stay in the blood, causing high blood sugar levels. 1

The biggest difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes lies in their causes and mechanisms. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production. In contrast, type 2 diabetes is primarily acquired through lifestyle and diet, although genetics can also contribute. It occurs when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, a condition known as insulin resistance. These differences in causes result in distinct mechanisms for high blood sugar levels: in type 1 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, whereas in type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced but not used efficiently. Notably, type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of all diabetes cases. 2 3

Some early signs of type 2 diabetes may include: 4

• A dry mouth and increased feelings of thirst
• Feeling very tired
• Peeing more than usual
• Losing weight
• Slow healing of wounds
• Blurred vision
• Pain or numbness in the feet or hands
• Itching or thrush around your genitalia  
• Dry skin
• Frequent infections

Type 2 diabetes does not always cause symptoms or can cause very mild symptoms, often only being diagnosed when complications have arisen. This is why you should visit your healthcare provider early on if you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 3

Type 2 diabetes is caused by problems with a hormone in the body called insulin. This hormone is produced by the pancreas, an organ that is situated behind the stomach and that is connected to the bowel. It produces substances necessary for digestion and produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon which regulate the body’s sugar levels. Insulin is of high importance to the body because it makes sugar in the blood available for use by the body as energy. Diabetes type 2 happens when the body no longer responds to insulin of the pancreas and the cells no longer take up sugar, leading to an elevated amount of sugar in your bloodstream. 1

Some people have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You’re especially more vulnerable if: 5

• You are over 40 years old
• You have a family member with diabetes
• You are overweight and do not exercise often
• You are from an Asian or African background

If you recognize some of these type 2 diabetes risk factors, then it is important to get routinely checked for diabetes, as there may not always be warning signs in the early stages of the condition. 

It's essential to keep your diabetes well managed, as people with poorly managed underlying health issues such as diabetes mellitus that get COVID-19 can experience severe symptoms, possibly leading to hospitalization and even death.

Read more about the link between COVID-19 and diabetes here.

Type 2 diabetes usually takes years to develop. It can’t be cured, although it can be managed through lifestyle changes, blood sugar monitoring, and the use of medication. 4

The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is often based on the symptoms and testing the amount of sugar in the blood. If your bloodwork does not show any increase in your blood sugar levels, and you are at risk of diabetes without any symptoms, then a repeat test is often done. A glucose tolerance test can also be done, during which a measured amount of glucose is given, and the levels of sugar in the blood are measured over a period of time. This allows for clinicians to see if the body is taking up the glucose as expected. 6 2

Type 2 diabetes treatment focuses on keeping your blood sugar levels within the normal range, to improve your body’s response to insulin and prevent the development of any complications. The first steps of treatment involve lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical exercise, improving your diet, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Type 2 diabetes medications are necessary in most cases. These medications help keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range. Your healthcare provider may prescribe you with metformin or other medicines that help keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. Over time, you may need to inject insulin with an injection pen if other medication no longer works. Throughout your treatment for type 2 diabetes, it’s important to have regular check-ups in order to detect and prevent consequences, such as eye and nerve damage. Specialist diabetic educators are also helpful in providing information and support at all stages of treatment. 7

Without the appropriate treatment, diabetes type 2 can lead to a number of complications, such as: 8

• Heart disease and stroke
• Nerve damage, leading to a loss of feeling and pain 
• Wounds that have difficulty healing, especially in the foot. This can lead to amputation in some cases
• Vision loss and blindness
• Miscarriage
• Issues with your kidneys
• Difficulty keeping an erection

Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body not responding well to insulin anymore. Getting diagnosed with this condition early on is important in order to prevent complications. With the appropriate treatment and follow-up, you can manage your diabetes mellitus and prevent complications from developing. 

Q: What are the signs of type 2 diabetes? 
A: Some of the early signs of type 2 diabetes are feeling thirsty all the time, peeing more than usual, feeling tired, losing weight, and slow healing wounds.

Q: How do you know if you have type 2 diabetes? 
A: If you experience any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes or if you have a higher risk of developing the condition, then it is recommended to get your blood checked by your healthcare provider. This can help you get diagnosed with diabetes mellitus early on. 

Q: Can you reverse type 2 diabetes? 
A: While type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, its symptoms can often be managed or even reversed through lifestyle and dietary changes. Your healthcare provider may recommend type 2 diabetes medications and regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels. However, it’s important to note that although symptoms can be treated and improved, the underlying condition persists, so it cannot be completely reversed or cured. 

Q: How to control type 2 diabetes? 
A: Type 2 diabetes can often be managed, and in some cases, symptoms can be improved or even reversed through lifestyle and dietary changes. However, this is not always possible for everyone. Lifestyle and diet play a crucial role in managing the condition, but your healthcare provider may also recommend medications and regular blood sugar monitoring as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.