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Diabetes mellitus type 2, or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is also called adult diabetes, and was formerly known as "senile diabetes". According to doctors, the main cause of its occurrence is unhe althy lifestyle, and above all obesity. What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes? What tests do you need to do to confirm it and how is type 2 diabetes treated?

Diabetes mellitus type 2is one of the most widespread diseases in the world population, thereforehas been recognized as a disease of civilization . Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes takes years to develop and its symptoms worsen gradually.

Obesity and genetically determined insulin resistance appear in the first stage. It is characterized by high blood glucose levels as well as insulin resistance and a relative insulin deficiency.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 belongs to the group of metabolic diseases and most often occurs in adults - after the age of 30. It is a hereditary disease, which, unfortunately, is more and more often diagnosed in adolescents and children.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 - symptoms

Type 2 diabetes develops in secret, sometimes for years.Does not cause any disturbing symptoms in the initial phase .

However, the first and the mildest symptoms of its development include dry mouth and increased thirst, and thus more frequent urination.

Increased thirst, or polydipsia, is the result of high blood glucose levels, which the body tries to dilute by diluting.

Increased appetite

Another, rather non-characteristic symptom isincreased appetite . Insulin's job is to transport glucose to cells, which use sugar to produce energy. However, insufficient insulin makes it difficult to transport glucose, which the body reacts with an increased appetite.

Glucose does not reach the cells even after a meal, so you may feel hungry even after eating. Providing the body with more sugar does not bring the expected results - there is still no hormone that would allow it to pass from the bloodstream to the organs.

Possible weight loss

Importantly,despite increased food intake, body weight canto fall . Cells deprived of glucose look for other sources of energy, and first of all they reach for energy reserves stored in muscles and adipose tissue.

Frequent infections and damage to arteries

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is associated with increased incidence of urinary tract, vaginal and skin infections.

As the disease progresses, other, more serious ailments appear. Persistent high blood glucose levels for many years lead to damage of small arteries.

Damage may appear in the eyeball, and blocked or ruptured arterioles result in visual impairment.

In turn, men may develop erection problems, which result from the nerve and vascular complications accompanying the disease.

Diabetic neuropathy

In addition, the hyperglycemia that lasts for years has a negative effect on the nervous system.

We are talking then about diabetic neuropathy, and its common symptoms include:

  • muscle spasms,
  • tingling limbs,
  • loss of superficial and deep sensation.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections appear relatively often in type 2 diabetes. Increased sugar secretion also occurs in vaginal discharge. Under proper conditions, the growth of fungi is limited.

Unfortunately, glucose is a great breeding ground for yeast, and therefore diabetic women often develop infections.

In addition, itching of the skin, tingling in the fingers and difficult-to-heal wounds may indicate the development of the disease.

Although the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are not specific and, due to their varying degrees of severity, difficult to observe, they can never be underestimated. Over the years, type 2 diabetes can lead to dangerous complications.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 - causes

The main cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance , which results from obesity, physical inactivity and an unhe althy lifestyle. Another, extremely important reason is the impaired insulin secretion.

People at risk, in order to avoid the development of diabetes, should pay special attention to a properly balanced diet and a he althy lifestyle.

The development of type 2 diabetes is also fostered by other diseases and ailments.

The most common of them include:

  • pregnancy - diabetes in pregnant women,
  • cardiovascular diseases,
  • hypertension,
  • pancreatic diseases,
  • polycystic ovary syndrome.

What could be the causes of diabetes? Explains the diabetologist, Jacek Walewski

Source: x-news.pl/Dzień Dobry TVN

How is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed by performing regular blood glucose measurements. The test can be performed after a meal - to diagnose postprandial and fasting glucose levels.

A normal blood glucose result is between 70 and 99 mg / dL. In the event of an elevated level, the test should be repeated after a few days.

Treating type 2 diabetes

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you should go to a diabetologist who will plan the treatment together with the patient. Importantly, to achieve results, you must approach it comprehensively. Non-pharmacological treatment is extremely important - proper diet, physical activity and a he althy lifestyle are often crucial.

The most important goal of the diet is to get the right amount of calories that must not be exceeded. What's more, sick people should limit their alcohol consumption.

In the treatment of type 2 diabetes, metformin is used - a drug that reduces insulin resistance. If blood glucose levels continue to rise, other medications are required.

Type 2 diabetes - complications

Type 2 diabetes - just like any other disease - cannot be underestimated.Untreated, it can lead to serious complications,e.g. :

  • heart attack,
  • stroke,
  • diabetic wounds
  • damage to the vessels in the eyes and, consequently, deterioration of eyesight.

Neglecting treatment may result in:

  • impotence in men,
  • gum disease
  • or infections in the mouth.

In turnthe acute complications of diabetes include:

  • ketoacidosis,
  • lactic acidosis,
  • hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar syndrome,
  • hypoglycemia
  • as well as hyperglycemia.
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Author: Time S.A

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Diabetes