Diabetes Type 2: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Cost

Diabetes Type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body's ability to metabolize glucose (blood sugar) is impaired, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Combining insulin resistance (when the body does not react to insulin as it should) with inadequate pancreatic insulin, synthesis results in this condition.

These are various kinds of Diabetes Type 2:

• Primary type 2 diabetes: This form of diabetes is more common among adults and carries higher risk factors. It occurs when your body either generates insufficient insulin or uses the insulin it does produce inefficiently.
• Secondary type 2 diabetes: This form of diabetes occurs as a result of another disease or condition, such as obesity or pancreas problems that interfere with the body's ability to produce and use insulin.
• Latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA): LADA is a type of primary type 2 diabetes where people who are genetically predisposed to Type 1 Diabetes don’t completely lose their ability to produce their insulin over time, but instead develop a dependence on medications for managing their blood sugar levels over time, unlike Type 1 Diabetics who become completely reliant upon injections for life-long management and control of their blood sugar levels early in the diagnosis.
• Gestational Diabetes: Gestational Diabetes is a form of diabetes that only pregnant women get — usually in the second trimester — when hormones released during pregnancy stop the body from responding properly to insulin in an otherwise healthy woman.

The causes of Diabetes Type 2 include:

• genetic factors
• bad diet and a sedentary lifestyle are examples of lifestyle variables.
• obesity
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol levels
• insulin resistance.

Typical symptoms of type 2 diabetes include the following:

• more hunger and thirst.
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or cuts.
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
• Recurring infections (such as gum or skin infections)
• Unexpected weight loss
• Erectile dysfunction
• Increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Here are some ways to prevent Diabetes Type 2:

• Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet.
• Reduce your sugar and carbohydrate consumption.
• Regularly check your blood sugar levels.
• Quit smoking.
• Control your stress levels by practicing yoga, meditation, or other relaxation methods.
• When instructed by a healthcare professional, take prescribed drugs.
• Get adequate sleep each night.
• Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.

For the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, the following tests may be used:

• Fasting blood glucose test: a procedure that assesses the blood's level of glucose following an overnight fast.
• Oral glucose tolerance test: an assessment of the body's response to a glucose load that includes drinking a sweet solution.
• Haemoglobin A1c test: a test that gauges the typical blood sugar level during the previous two to three months.
• Random blood glucose test: a test that measures blood glucose levels whenever the participant feels like it, regardless of when they last had eaten.
• Urine test: A test that measures the level of glucose and ketones in the urine, which can indicate poor blood glucose control.
• Lipid profile: a test that gauges blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which may be increased in those with type 2 diabetes.

Potential complications of Diabetes type 2 includes:

• High blood sugar levels: Diabetes Type 2 can cause high blood sugar levels, which can lead to several complications. Long-term high blood sugar levels may harm the body's organs and cause major medical issues.
• Cardiovascular disease: Diabetes Type 2 is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Damage to the blood arteries brought on by high blood sugar levels may result in heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.
• Kidney damage: Diabetes Type 2 can damage the kidneys over time. This may result in chronic renal disease, which can need dialysis or a kidney transplant due to kidney failure.
• Eye problems: Diabetes retinopathy may develop as a result of high blood sugar levels harming the blood vessels in the eyes. This may result in visual issues and, in extreme circumstances, blindness.
• Nerve damage: Diabetes Type 2 can cause nerve damage, which can lead to several complications. You can have gastrointestinal problems, nerve pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet.
• Foot problems: Diabetes Type 2 can cause poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet, which can lead to foot ulcers and infections. In severe cases, this can lead to amputation.
• Skin problems: Skin issues including infections and sluggish wound healing may be brought on by high blood sugar levels. Increased risk of infections: People with diabetes type 2 may have weakened immune systems, which increases their susceptibility to infections.
• Mental health problems: Diabetes Type 2 can also have an impact on mental health. Diabetes patients are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
• Increased risk of other health problems: Diabetes Type 2 can increase the risk of other health problems, such as Alzheimer's disease, certain cancers, and osteoporosis.

These are some useful home remedies for patients with Diabetes Type 2:

• Bitter gourd: Consuming bitter gourd juice or adding it to your diet can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Cinnamon: Adding cinnamon to your meals or consuming it in the form of tea can help control blood glucose levels.
• Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds may help control blood sugar levels if they are soaked overnight and then eaten in the morning.
• Indian Gooseberry: Consuming Indian gooseberry or amla juice can help control blood sugar levels.
• Gymnema Sylvestre: Consuming gymnema sylvestre in the form of capsules or tea can help control blood sugar levels.
• Consume vinegar: Consuming vinegar can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

These foods must be preferred if you have Diabetes Type 2:

• Whole grains: Whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, and other whole grain options are all great choices for people with type 2 diabetes. Non-starchy vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots, and bell peppers are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, making them a great choice for people with diabetes.
• Lean proteins: Chicken, fish, tofu, and beans are all excellent sources of protein that are low in saturated fats and can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
• Fruits: Fruits like berries, apples, pears, and oranges are all great choices for people with type 2 diabetes because they are low in sugar and high in fiber.
• Low-fat dairy products: Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese are all good sources of calcium and protein that can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
• Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds are high in healthy fats and can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
• Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish like salmon are all great sources of healthy fats that can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

Foods that should not be consumed for Diabetes Type 2 are:

• Refined carbohydrates: Processed and refined carbohydrates such as white bread, rice, pasta, and sugary cereals can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.
• Trans fats: Fried meals, baked items, and snack foods often include trans fats. They can increase inflammation and lead to insulin resistance.
• High-fat meats: Meats like bacon, sausage, and fatty beef cuts may aggravate insulin resistance and raise the risk of heart disease.
• High-sodium foods: Processed foods, canned foods, and restaurant meals often have excessive salt content. Too much salt consumption may elevate blood pressure and increase the chance of developing heart disease.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low, especially if taken without food.
• Artificial sweeteners: Although artificial sweeteners are low in calories, they can still affect blood sugar levels and should be consumed in moderation.

Diabetes Type 2 can be treated using the following methods:

• Lifestyle changes: The first line of treatment for type 2 diabetes involves making changes to one's diet and exercise routine. A diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in fiber and protein can help regulate blood sugar levels. Frequent exercise may improve insulin sensitivity and help manage blood sugar levels.
• Oral medications: If lifestyle changes alone are not adequate to control blood sugar levels, prescription medications such as metformin or sulfonylureas may be used. These drugs either enhance insulin sensitivity or boost insulin production.
• Insulin therapy: To control blood sugar levels, insulin treatment may be necessary for specific circumstances. To control blood sugar levels, insulin injections into the body are used.
• Bariatric surgery: This type of surgery is primarily used for the treatment of obesity, but it can also help lower blood sugar levels in people with Diabetes Type 2. To restrict how much food a person can consume, the stomach's size is reduced during the surgery. Significant weight reduction may result, which improves glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.
• Pancreatic surgery: In some cases, pancreatic surgery may be used to treat Diabetes Type 2. This involves removing part of the pancreas or implanting insulin-producing cells from a donor pancreas into the patient's pancreas. Yet, particularly specific situations when other forms of therapy have failed are often the only ones in which this kind of surgery is done.
• Islet cell transplantation: In this relatively new procedure, liver cells from the patient are transplanted with insulin-producing cells from a donor pancreas. Islet cell transplantation is not yet widely available, and it is usually only offered in clinical trials or specialized centers.

If you have been diagnosed with Diabetes Type 2, it is important to see an endocrinologist for the proper management of your condition. An endocrinologist is a specialist in hormonal conditions and has extensive experience in managing Diabetes Type 2.

Various kinds of medicines that are provided in the treatment of Diabetes Type 2 are given below:

• Medicines that help to lower blood sugar levels: Diabetes Type 2 is characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to use insulin effectively. Medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and meglitinides are commonly prescribed to help lower blood sugar levels.
• Medicines that improve insulin sensitivity: Insulin resistance is a common feature of type 2 diabetes, and medications such as thiazolidinediones and DPP-4 inhibitors can help to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in cells.
• Medicines that stimulate insulin production: The pancreas may sometimes fail to generate enough insulin to satisfy the body's requirements. Medications such as GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors can help to stimulate insulin production and increase glucose uptake in cells.
• Medicines that reduce the risk of complications: Many consequences, such as heart disease, renal disease, and nerve damage, may result from diabetes type 2. Medications like statins and ACE inhibitors
• Medicines that promote weight loss: Weight reduction may aid in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. For those with type 2 diabetes, drugs like orlistat and liraglutide may aid in weight reduction.

The amount of time it takes to recover from type 2 diabetes depends on many factors, such as the individual's overall health, commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes, and the severity of diabetes.
Generally speaking, people with type 2 diabetes can see improvements in their health within just a few months of making healthy lifestyle changes and taking medications prescribed by their doctor.
With time and continued dedication to healthy habits, some people may be able to reduce or eliminate their need for medication over the years.

While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and sometimes surgery. People with type 2 diabetes may live healthy, active lives with adequate care.

Various kinds of medicines that are provided in the treatment of Diabetes Type 2 are given below:

• Medicines that help to lower blood sugar levels: Diabetes Type 2 is characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to use insulin effectively. Medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and meglitinides are commonly prescribed to help lower blood sugar levels.
• Medicines that improve insulin sensitivity: Insulin resistance is a common feature of type 2 diabetes, and medications such as thiazolidinediones and DPP-4 inhibitors can help to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in cells.
• Medicines that stimulate insulin production: The pancreas may sometimes fail to generate enough insulin to satisfy the body's requirements. Medications such as GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors can help to stimulate insulin production and increase glucose uptake in cells.
• Medicines that reduce the risk of complications: Many consequences, such as heart disease, renal disease, and nerve damage, may result from diabetes type 2. Medications like statins and ACE inhibitors
• Medicines that promote weight loss: Weight reduction may aid in improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. For those with type 2 diabetes, drugs like orlistat and liraglutide may aid in weight reduction.

Depending on the kind of therapy used, the cost of Diabetes Type 2 therapies in India varies considerably.

• Non-surgical treatments typically involve medication costs of approximately Rs. 300-800 per month and laboratory tests to monitor blood glucose levels at an approximate cost of Rs. 1000 - 1500 per checkup.
• Surgical treatments, such as bariatric surgery, can cost as much as Rs.100,000 - Rs. 1 lakh or more, depending on the complexity and location of the procedure, as additional medical expenses like travel costs and post-care follow-up procedures.

The following are the adverse effects of type 2 diabetes medicines that are most often reported:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness.

Less common but more severe side effects include:
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Difficulty breathing
Kidney or liver damage.