Overview of Type 2 Diabetes

Overview of Type 2 Diabetes

• Chronic condition affecting how the body metabolizes glucose.
• Characterized by insulin resistance and/or inadequate insulin secretion.

Risk Factors

1. Genetic: Family history of diabetes.
2. Age: Increased risk after 45 years.
3. Weight: Obesity, particularly abdominal fat.
4. Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyle.
5. Ethnicity: Higher prevalence in certain populations (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Native American).
6. Diet: High intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats.

Pathophysiology

• Insulin Resistance: Body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin.
• Beta-Cell Dysfunction: Impaired insulin secretion from pancreas over time.
• Increased Glucose Production: Liver produces more glucose inappropriately.

Symptoms

• Increased thirst (polydipsia).
• Frequent urination (polyuria).
• Increased hunger (polyphagia).
• Fatigue.
• Blurred vision.
• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections.

Diagnosis

• Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: ≥ 126 mg/dL.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: ≥ 200 mg/dL after 2 hours.
• A1C Test: ≥ 6.5% for diabetes diagnosis.

Management

1. Lifestyle Modifications:

   • Diet: Balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
   • Exercise: Regular physical activity (150 minutes/week recommended).
   • Weight management: Loss of 5-10% of body weight can improve control.

2. Medication:

   • Metformin: First-line oral medication.
   • Other options: Sulfonylureas, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors.

3. Monitoring:

   • Regular blood glucose monitoring.
   • Periodic A1C tests to assess long-term control.
   • Check-ups for complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy).

Complications

• Short-term: Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia.
• Long-term:
  • Cardiovascular disease.
  • Kidney failure (diabetic nephropathy).
  • Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).
  • Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy).
  • Increased risk of foot injuries and infections.

Prevention

• Healthy eating: Emphasis on fiber and whole foods.
• Regular physical activity: Maintain a healthy weight.
• Regular health check-ups to monitor risk factors.

Type 2 Diabetes Overview

• Chronic condition affecting how the body utilizes glucose
• Characterized by insulin resistance and/or inadequate insulin secretion

Risk Factors

• Genetic: Family history of diabetes increases risk
• Age: Risk increases after 45 years
• Weight: Obesity, particularly abdominal fat, raises risk
• Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyle contributes to risk
• Ethnicity: Certain populations, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, have a higher prevalence
• Diet: High intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats increases risk

Pathophysiology

• Insulin Resistance: Body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin
• Beta-Cell Dysfunction: Impaired insulin secretion from pancreas develops over time
• Increased Glucose Production: Liver produces excess glucose inappropriately

Symptoms

• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Frequent urination (polyuria)
• Increased hunger (polyphagia)
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections

Diagnosis

• Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: A value of ≥ 126 mg/dL indicates diabetes
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: A value of ≥ 200 mg/dL after 2 hours indicates diabetes
• A1C Test: A value of ≥ 6.5% indicates diabetes

Management

• Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Diet: Balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity (150 minutes/week recommended)
  • Weight management: Loss of 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve control
• Medication:
  • Metformin: First-line oral medication
  • Other options: Sulfonylureas, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors
• Monitoring:
  • Regular blood glucose monitoring
  • Periodic A1C tests to assess long-term control
  • Check-ups for complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy)

Complications

• Short-term: Hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia
• Long-term:
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Kidney failure (diabetic nephropathy)
  • Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
  • Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy)
  • Increased risk of foot injuries and infections

Prevention

• Healthy eating: Emphasis on fiber and whole foods
• Regular physical activity: Maintain a healthy weight
• Regular health check-ups to monitor risk factors