Prediabetes (Borderline Diabetes) Type 2 Diabetes (Mellitus)
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) due to the body being:
- Ineffective at utilizing the insulin it has produced; also known as insulin resistance and/or
- Unable to produce sufficient insulin
Type 2 diabetes is marked by the body's inability to metabolize glucose (sugar) effectively, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels that can, over time, harm the body's organs.
This indicates that what is considered food for the average person can turn into a kind of metabolic poison for someone with diabetes.
This is the reason individuals with diabetes are recommended to steer clear of dietary sugar sources.
The encouraging news is that many individuals with type 2 diabetes can maintain their health simply by modifying their lifestyle. By keeping blood sugar levels low through dietary changes, such as reducing sugar intake, they may never require long-term medication.
Type 2 diabetes, previously referred to as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes due to its prevalence in individuals over 40, is increasingly diagnosed in young adults, teenagers, and children, now representing approximately 90% of all diabetes cases globally.
How serious is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a significant health condition that often necessitates the use of anti-diabetic drugs or insulin to manage blood sugar levels. However, if detected and treated early, the onset of type 2 diabetes and its complications can be prevented.
Recently, it has been recognized that many individuals with type 2 diabetes can reverse the condition through methods such as low-carbohydrate diets, very-low-calorie diets, and physical activity.
For advice on healthy eating to enhance blood glucose levels, manage weight, and combat insulin resistance, consider joining a Low Carb Program.
By addressing pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome early, type 2 diabetes can potentially be averted with appropriate diet and exercise.
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes arises when cells in the body do not use the hormone insulin effectively. Insulin is essential for cells to absorb glucose (sugar) from the blood and convert it into energy.
When insulin is used ineffectively, the body develops a resistance to insulin, known as insulin resistance. This condition leads to increased blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia.
At advanced stages, type 2 diabetes can damage the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in inadequate insulin production for the body's requirements.
Type 2 diabetes risk factors
Several factors may elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
These include:
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. For instance, studies indicate that
- If one parent has type 2 diabetes, the risk of inheriting it is 15%.
- If both parents have the condition, the inheritance risk rises to 75%.
Is there an age where I’m more at risk of type 2?
Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset diabetes, was predominantly diagnosed in adults over 40. However, it has increasingly affected younger individuals, including teens and children, in recent years. This surge is linked to rising obesity rates.
Do you have to be overweight to get type 2 diabetes?
Although being overweight is commonly linked to type 2 diabetes, individuals at a healthy weight may also be diagnosed with the condition. This form of the disease, often referred to as 'skinny' type 2 diabetes, occurs in people who have minimal subcutaneous fat but significant amounts of visceral or abdominal fat
What is skinny type 2 diabetes?
Symptoms and diagnosis
The most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are:
Some symptoms are common to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes; however, in type 2 diabetes, they often develop more gradually over months or years, which can make it difficult for individuals to recognize them as indicators of an underlying condition.
In fact, many individuals live with type 2 diabetes for a considerable time before it is diagnosed.
Type 2 diabetes is often identified following the results of a fasting plasma glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. It can also be discovered during a routine health examination with your GP.
The disease may be found during diabetes screening or as a component of other routine health evaluations.
Type 2 diabetes treatment
Initial treatment for type 2 diabetes typically involves dietary modifications paired with regular and suitable exercise.
According to NICE guidelines (NG28), the management of type 2 diabetes should consider the individual's needs and preferences. Individuals with diabetes are encouraged to participate actively in their care, making informed decisions in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
The guidelines recommend a diet rich in high-fibre, low-glycemic-index (low-GI) carbohydrates, offering considerable flexibility. It's feasible to adhere to various diets, such as lower-carb or low-calorie, while incorporating a robust intake of low-GI foods like vegetables, beans, and pulses.
Your healthcare team should assist in establishing personalized recommendations for carbohydrate and alcohol consumption that align with your lifestyle.
Low carb
Switching to a diet lower in carbohydrates can aid in weight reduction and decrease blood glucose levels. This effect occurs as metabolized carbohydrates convert to glucose in the bloodstream, influencing blood sugar levels.
Low calorie
A low-calorie diet, which is supported by meal replacement soups or shakes has been shown to support help people with weight management and support type 2 diabetes remission.
A growing number of Diabetes Forum members have reversed their type 2 diabetes through various low calorie diet methods.
Blood glucose testing
Individuals with type 2 diabetes can significantly benefit from monitoring their blood sugar levels, which offers instant feedback on the impact of diet, lifestyle, and illness on blood glucose. Consistent and systematic blood glucose monitoring, also referred to as self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), is proven to enhance long-term management of diabetes by lowering HbA1c levels and reducing the likelihood of complications.
Medication
Individuals with type 2 diabetes may be prescribed oral medications or injectables. Metformin is a frequently prescribed medication for those with type 2 diabetes, aiding the body's insulin response.
Other drug treatments are also available, including:
Individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly those who have managed the condition for many years, may eventually require
insulin injections.
Maintaining proper control of blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels is crucial in minimizing the risk of complications from diabetes. If you are overweight, losing weight can often help reduce the severity of diabetes symptoms.
Type 2 diabetes and complications
Like type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes carries the risk of diabetes complications over time.
The most common complications of type 2 diabetes include:
Indeed, at the time of diagnosis, 50% of individuals with type 2 diabetes already exhibit early signs of related health issues.
The array of complications, including depression and sexual dysfunction, is daunting; however, their risks can be mitigated through diligent diabetes management and adherence to all diabetic screening appointments.
Like many chronic conditions, early detection of type 2 diabetes is advantageous for treatment. Most patients show pre-diabetic symptoms before full-blown type 2 diabetes sets in, and initiating treatment during this phase can prevent the disease.
Nearly one-third of individuals with type 2 diabetes will develop overt kidney disease. Within two decades of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, 60% of those diagnosed will experience some level of retinopathy. Regarding short-term complications, while ketoacidosis is uncommon in type 2 diabetes, non-ketotic hyperglycemia remains a significant risk that should not be overlooked.
Impact of type 2 diabetes
As stated above, type 2 diabetes can lead to a greater chance of health problems which could in some cases affect your ability to work and could therefore affect your personal income.
Another factor to bear in mind is that increased care may be needed, from your family or from a carer, particularly as you get older.
With the right support and good diabetes management, the potential negative effects of type 2 diabetes can be minimised.
The NHS and type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is already one of the most common long term health conditions and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the UK is growing year on year.
The cost of treating a growing number of people with type 2 diabetes, and the health complications associated with the condition, is estimated to cost the NHS around £12 billion a year on direct and indirect care.
