Type 2 Diabetes Complications
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
In a study by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) specialists panel, it was found that up to 70% of people with prediabetes will eventually develop diabetes.
A few common signs and symptoms of prediabetes consist of increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. It is essential to get checked by a doctor if you’re experiencing any of those signs.
Type 2 diabetes is a long-lasting metabolic condition that involves imbalanced chemicals in the body. Higher blood sugar levels result from this. It’s the most prevalent form of diabetes and is commonly seen in adults, although it can affect young people as well.
In this type of diabetes, the body struggles either to make enough insulin—a hormone that manages blood sugar—or to properly use the insulin it produces. Consequently, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream, which can cause various negative effects on health.
What are the causes of type 2 diabetes?
1. Insulin Resistance:
One of the central factors in Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. The pancreas secretes insulin, a type of hormone that aids with managing your blood sugar (glucose) levels, the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to an impaired ability toeffectively transport glucose from the bloodstream into the cells where it’s needed for energy
2. Genetics:
The chance of getting Type 2 diabetes is increased by a family history of the disease. Certain genetic variations can influence insulin
resistance and the functioning of the pancreas.
3. Obesity:
Excess body weight, especially abdominal or visceral fat, is strongly associated with insulin resistance. Fat cells release substances
that can interfere with insulin’s actions.
4. Physical Inactivity:
Lack of regular physical activity can contribute to and insulin resistance. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization by cells
5. Unhealthy Diet:
A diet high in processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined carbohydrates can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance. Consuming an excessive amount of calories and not getting enough nutrients can also play a role.
What are the symptoms?
- Frequent Urination: You have to urinate more often than usual,especially at night.
- Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): You may feel excessively thirsty and have a constant need to drink water.
- Increased Hunger (Polyphagia): You may experience persistent hunger,even shortly after eating.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Despite increased appetite, you might lose weight unintentionally.
- Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can affect the lens of your eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision.
- Slow Healing of Wounds: Cuts and bruises may take longer to heal.
- Frequent Infections: You might experience frequent infections, such as urinary tract infections or skin infections.
- Tingling or Numbness: Nerve damage (neuropathy) can lead to tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.
- Dry Skin and Itching: High blood sugar can cause dry skin and itchiness.
Complications of type 2 diabetes.
1. Cardiovascular Complications:
- Heart Disease: People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues.
- Stroke: Diabetes can increase the risk of stroke due to the damage it can cause to blood vessels and arteries
- Peripheral Artery Disease: Reduced blood flow to the extremities can lead to poor wound healing and an increased risk of infections.
2. Kidney Complications:
- Diabetic Nephropathy: High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time, potentially leading to kidney failure
- Kidney Stones: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
3. Eye Complications:
- Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems and even blindness if left untreated.
- Cataracts and Glaucoma: Diabetes increases the risk of cataracts and glaucoma, which can also affect vision
4. Nerve Complications:
- Neuropathy: Nerve damage can result in tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness in the extremities. It can also affect digestion, urinary function, and sexual response
- Autonomic Neuropathy: Nerve damage can impact the functioning of internal organs, leading to issues such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), urinary retention, and cardiovascular problems.
5. Foot Complications:
- Foot Ulcers: Nerve damage and poor circulation can lead to foot ulcers, which can become infected and, in severe cases, may require amputation.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage can make it difficult to sense pressure or pain, increasing the risk of foot injuries going unnoticed.
6. Skin Complications:
- Bacterial and Fungal Infections: High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system's ability to fight infections, making people with diabetes more susceptible to skin infections.
- Diabetic Dermopathy: Diabetes can cause changes in the skin, leading to conditions like diabetic dermopathy and other skin disorders.
7. Mental Health Complications:
- Depression and Anxiety: The stress of managing diabetes and the impact of the condition on daily life can contribute to mental health issues
- Diabetes Distress: The emotional burden of dealing with the demands of diabetes management can lead to diabetes distress
What are the treatments for type 2 diabetes?
- Metformin: Often the first-line medication, it helps lower blood sugar by reducing liver glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Sulfonylureas, Meglitinides: Stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas to lower blood sugar levels.
- DPP-4 Inhibitors and SGLT2 Inhibitors: Work to control blood sugar by affecting hormones and glucose excretion in the kidneys.
- Insulin Therapy: If blood sugar levels cannot be adequately controlled with oral medications, insulin may be prescribed. Different types of insulin and regimens are available.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly check blood sugar levels using aglucose meter or continuous glucose monitor. This helps you understand how different factors impact your blood sugar and informs treatment decisions.
- Surgical Interventions: In some cases, weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) may be considered for individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes
Diagnosis
- Medical History: Your doctor is going to ask about your medical records, especially what symptoms you are possibly feeling, any diabetes in your family, and other relevant information.
- Physical Examination: A medical checkup may include measuring your waist diameter, blood pressure, measurement of height, and weight.
- Blood Tests: A fasting glucose level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher on two separate occasions may indicate diabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): After fasting, you'll drink a sugary solution, and blood sugar levels will be tested two hours later. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dl or higher may indicate diabetes.
- Hemoglobin A1c Test: Your blood sugar levels over the previous two to three months are averaged out by this test. When the A1c level is 6.5% or higher, diabetes may be present.
- Glycated Albumin Test and Fructosamine Test: These tests provide additional information about your average blood sugar levels over a shorter period.
- Urine Tests: Urinalysis may be done to check for glucose and ketones in the urine, which can indicate diabetes.
- Additional Testing: In some cases, your healthcare provider may order additional tests to assess kidney function, cholesterol levels, liver function, and other factors that can affect diabetes managemen
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing stress.
Treatment involves lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight management), oral medications, injectable medications (insulin), blood sugar monitoring, complication prevention, and education/support.
In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may effectively manage blood sugar levels. However, medication may be necessary to achieve optimal control, especially as the condition progresses.
While it may not be completely reversible, early intervention and substantial lifestyle changes can lead to significant improvements in blood sugar control and even the potential for medication reduction.
Yes, although it’s more commonly associated with adults, Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents, often due to obesity and sedentary lifestyles.