Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

-

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and a gradual decline in insulin production by the pancreas. It is the most common form of diabetes, often associated with lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes may develop slowly and include:

  • Increased thirst and frequent urination due to excess glucose in the bloodstream.
  • Fatigue resulting from inefficient glucose utilization.
  • Blurred vision, which occurs as fluid is pulled from the lenses of the eyes.
  • Slow-healing sores or frequent infections, especially in the skin and gums.
  • Unintended weight loss, though less common than in Type 1 Diabetes.
  • Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet (neuropathy).

Anatomy Affected

  • Pancreas: Insulin production is insufficient to overcome resistance.
  • Liver, muscles, and fat cells: Resistance to insulin leads to impaired glucose uptake and metabolism.
  • Vascular system: Chronic hyperglycemia damages blood vessels, leading to complications.
  • Nervous system: Peripheral neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction may occur with prolonged disease.

Cause/Transmission

Type 2 Diabetes is not contagious. Contributing factors include:

  1. Genetics: Family history increases risk.
  2. Lifestyle Factors:
    • Obesity: Excess fat, especially abdominal fat, increases insulin resistance.
    • Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity exacerbates resistance.
  3. Age: Risk increases after age 45, though it’s becoming more common in younger individuals.
  4. Diet: High intake of processed foods and sugar can elevate risk.
  5. Hormonal Changes: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome are linked.

Treatments

Management focuses on glycemic control, prevention of complications, and improving overall health:

  1. Lifestyle Changes:
    • Healthy diet: Emphasizing whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables.
    • Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
    • Weight management: Even modest weight loss can significantly improve outcomes.
  2. Medications:
    • Metformin: Improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production.
    • Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides: Stimulate insulin secretion.
    • GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and SGLT2 Inhibitors: Help control glucose levels and may aid weight loss.
    • Insulin Therapy: Reserved for advanced cases or severe hyperglycemia.
  3. Monitoring:
    • Regular blood glucose testing to adjust treatment as needed.
    • Annual screenings for complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.

Prevention

  1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing obesity decreases insulin resistance.
  2. Adopt a Balanced Diet: Limit sugars, refined carbs, and trans fats.
  3. Exercise Regularly: Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
  4. Regular Health Screenings: Early detection and intervention can prevent progression.

Prognosis/Outlook

  • Mortality Rate: While not directly fatal, complications like cardiovascular disease can increase mortality risk.
  • Complications:
    • Short-term: Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
    • Long-term: Cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.
  • Recovery Rate: With lifestyle changes and treatment adherence, many patients achieve excellent glycemic control and prevent complications.

Advances in medications, technology, and public awareness continue to improve the quality of life for those with Type 2 Diabetes. Early diagnosis and proactive management are key.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding Orthopedic Conditions: Common Ailments and Medications

-
Orthopedic surgeons are specialized doctors who diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal system conditions. This includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Here’s a look at 15 common medical conditions that orthopedic surgeons frequently treat and the medications commonly used in their management. 1. Osteoarthritis Ibuprofen : Reduces inflammation and pain. Acetaminophen : Alleviates pain without anti-inflammatory effects. Naproxen : Decreases inflammation and pain. Celecoxib (Celebrex) : Targets COX-2 enzyme to reduce inflammation and pain. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) : An antidepressant also used to manage chronic pain. 2. Rheumatoid Arthritis Methotrexate : A DMARD that slows disease progression and reduces joint damage. Adalimumab (Humira) : A biologic that targets TNF-alpha to reduce inflammation. Sulfasalazine : A DMARD that decreases inflammation. Etanercept (Enbrel) : A biologic that blocks TNF, reducing inflammation and halting disease progression. Leflunomide (Arav...
Read more

Unraveling the Complement System: A Key Defender in the Immune Response

-
The human immune system is an intricate network designed to defend the body against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Among its many components, the complement system stands out as a crucial part of innate immunity. This sophisticated system of proteins works together to identify, attack, and eliminate invaders, playing a significant role in maintaining our health. In this blog post, we will explore the complement system, its pathways, and its importance in the immune response. What is the Complement System? The complement system consists of a series of proteins that circulate in the blood and tissue fluids. These proteins, produced primarily by the liver, work in a cascade manner, meaning that the activation of one protein triggers the activation of the next. This system complements the work of antibodies and phagocytic cells in clearing pathogens from an organism. Key Functions of the Complement System Opsonization : Enhancing the ability of phagocytes to engulf pathoge...
Read more

Understanding the Kinin System: A Key Player in Inflammation and Pain

-
The human body is a complex network of systems working in harmony to maintain health and respond to injuries. Among these systems, the kinin system plays a pivotal role in inflammation, pain regulation, and blood pressure control. While it may not be as well-known as other bodily systems, the kinin system's functions are crucial to our body's response to injury and infection. What is the Kinin System? The kinin system is a biochemical cascade that produces peptides known as kinins. The most well-known kinins are bradykinin and kallidin. These peptides are produced through the action of enzymes called kallikreins, which cleave kininogen precursors to release active kinins. Key Components of the Kinin System Kallikreins : These are enzymes that exist in various tissues and fluids within the body. They are responsible for cleaving kininogens to release kinins. Kininogens : These are precursor proteins that circulate in the bloodstream. When cleaved by kallikreins, they release act...
Read more