Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic illness in which your body is unable to properly utilize insulin. While there are several things you can control to reduce your chances of acquiring type 2 diabetes, it cannot always be completely avoided.
Some people do not produce enough insulin to successfully control their blood sugar levels. Other people produce insulin, but their bodies do not utilize it effectively (a condition known as insulin resistance). This can result in elevated amounts of glucose (sugar) in your system, which can have major long-term health repercussions, including damage to vital organs such as your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. 123
Diabetes type 2 is the most frequent type of diabetes in the United States. One in every ten people in the United States has diabetes, and 90–95% of them have type 2. Factors such as eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet, exercising, monitoring your blood sugar levels, and other activities can minimize or delay the development of T2D.
This page explains type 2 diabetes, who is at risk, how genetics may influence your risk, how you can lower your risk, and what to discuss with your healthcare professional.
Diabetes can strike at any age, but it is more frequent in people 45 and older. 2 Type 1 diabetes is thought to be triggered by the immune system attacking your body’s insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is typically caused by insulin resistance—the body’s cells not adequately utilizing insulin. 5
Other T2D risk factors include:
Diabetic family members
Obesity or being overweight
A sedentary lifestyle, commonly known as a lack of physical activity,
Blood pressure that is too high
Being told you have prediabetes
Being pregnant with gestational diabetes
People born male are diagnosed somewhat more frequently than people born female. 6
Some people discover they have diabetes after experiencing symptoms and being checked by a healthcare provider. Other people can live for a long time with only minor symptoms and may be unaware that they have diabetes. In fact, it is believed that over half of all diabetics have yet to be diagnosed. Even if you feel fine, diabetes can cause damage to your body. 7
If you have a close relative with diabetes (such as a sibling, parent, or kid), you have a 5–10 times greater chance of developing the disease yourself at some point in your life. 8 However, not everyone with a diabetes family history will develop the illness. Working on risk variables that you can control (such as blood pressure, nutrition, and physical exercise) may help lower your total risk.
Currently, there is no precise genetic test that can tell you if you are predisposed to having diabetes. Inform your doctor about any health or medical conditions that run in your family. If you experience T2D symptoms, contact your healthcare team right away.
Some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes are modifiable risk factors, which are things you can change. Small adjustments in your lifestyle can have a major influence on your health. If you require assistance or additional information about any lifestyle changes, drugs, or other recommended therapies, please contact your provider.
Testing/Screenings
There are no precise testing or screening techniques available to determine if you may acquire diabetes. However, your doctor may advise you to have frequent blood tests to help diagnose diabetes if you have it. A random blood glucose test will often provide a snapshot of your blood sugar level at a single moment in time. Fasting blood sugar levels are normally checked first thing in the morning. This test measures your blood sugar at a single point in time on a particular day. Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that measures the pattern of your blood sugar levels over a three-month period. 9
These are simple blood tests that can be performed in a doctor’s office or a laboratory. While the vein is being accessed, you may have some local pain and slight bruising for a few days.
Habits of daily life
Diabetes can be delayed or prevented by changing your lifestyle. More research is required to understand how all of these elements interact. Among the most recent recommendations are:
Controlling your weight: A 7% weight decrease has been linked to a lower risk of disease. However, you should always consult with your healthcare professional before making major weight changes so they can advise you on whether you should and, if so, how.
Maintaining a food diary: Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as vegetables and lean meats, will help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Exercise at a moderate intensity: exercise for at least 150 minutes every week, doing things like brisk walking, riding, dancing, and weight training.
While these practices were first evaluated in 2002, a more recent meta-analysis of several studies conducted over several years discovered that these similar lifestyle changes result in a 47% reduction in the probability of developing T2D. 11
Your provider can assist and support you in making lifestyle changes. Diabetes education, working with a licensed dietician, or joining an exercise program may all be beneficial. If you have limits that affect your diet or exercise levels, talk to your doctor about strategies to change your lifestyle to lower your risk of diabetes. Future research will look into how these habits might be used to adapt to different talents and conditions.
Taking Medicine
There aren’t many drugs that can prevent type 2 diabetes from developing. Metformin is a medicine that is used to postpone the start of T2D. 12 If you are prediabetic or have T2D, your doctor may prescribe drugs to help you regulate your blood sugar levels.
Make sure you know how to test your blood sugar and take your medications. Abnormal blood sugar levels can lead to significant consequences and other health problems.
Type 2 diabetes is treated with both oral and injectable medicines. 2 Your provider will evaluate your health state and, if necessary, prescribe drugs. To achieve their target blood sugar levels, some people must try several drugs or medication combinations. Notify your healthcare provider of any side effects, blood sugar abnormalities, or concerns regarding your treatment plan.
The following are the most prevalent diabetes symptoms: 8
Frequent urination (frequent trips to the restroom)
Constant hunger Slightly blurry vision
Discuss with your healthcare professional any diabetic symptoms you are experiencing or any worries you have about acquiring diabetes.
Before embarking on any major lifestyle or medical changes, consult with your practitioner.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common kind of diabetes, affecting people over the age of 45. Symptoms may be undetectable or minor at first, so keep track of any routine testing your clinician orders. There are no foolproof methods for preventing diabetes, although decreasing weight, increasing activity, and eating a well-balanced diet can all help.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, work with your doctor to learn how to manage your blood sugar levels. Taking your medications and following your doctor’s diet will help reduce the long-term, significant consequences that might arise from diabetes.
