Summary about Disease
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM), now commonly referred to as Type 2 Diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) due to insulin resistance and/or insufficient insulin production. The body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, and the pancreas may eventually be unable to produce enough insulin to compensate, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
Symptoms
Many people with Type 2 Diabetes have no noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms are present, they may include:
Increased thirst (polydipsia)
Frequent urination (polyuria), especially at night
Increased hunger (polyphagia)
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck (acanthosis nigricans)
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Causes
Type 2 Diabetes develops due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Key contributing factors include:
Insulin Resistance: Cells become less responsive to insulin, requiring the pancreas to produce more to maintain normal blood sugar.
Insufficient Insulin Production: Over time, the pancreas may not be able to produce enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance.
Genetics: A family history of diabetes increases the risk.
Obesity: Excess weight, especially abdominal fat, is strongly linked to insulin resistance.
Inactivity: Lack of physical activity contributes to insulin resistance and weight gain.
Age: The risk increases with age.
Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups (e.g., African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders) have a higher risk.
Certain medical conditions: such as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Medicine Used
Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Common medications include:
Metformin: Reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.
Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide, glyburide): Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin.
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) (e.g., pioglitazone): Improve insulin sensitivity.
DPP-4 Inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin, saxagliptin): Help increase insulin release and decrease glucose production.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (e.g., exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide): Enhance insulin secretion, suppress glucagon secretion, and slow gastric emptying.
SGLT2 Inhibitors (e.g., canagliflozin, empagliflozin): Reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing glucose excretion in urine.
Insulin: May be required if other medications are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels.
Is Communicable
Type 2 Diabetes is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions for managing Type 2 Diabetes and preventing complications include:
Healthy Diet: Following a balanced diet that is low in processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fats, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week).
Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if overweight or obese.
Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels as directed by a healthcare provider.
Medication Adherence: Taking prescribed medications as directed.
Foot Care: Inspecting feet daily and seeking prompt medical attention for any sores or injuries.
Regular Medical Checkups: Attending regular appointments with a healthcare provider for monitoring and management of diabetes.
Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking, as smoking increases the risk of complications.
Stress Management: Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
Limit Alcohol: Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all.
Vaccinations: Staying up-to-date on vaccinations, especially influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, as diabetes can weaken the immune system.
How long does an outbreak last?
Type 2 Diabetes is not an outbreak, it's a chronic condition. Once developed, it is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing management. With proper management, individuals can live long and healthy lives.
How is it diagnosed?
Type 2 Diabetes is typically diagnosed through blood tests:
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): Measures blood glucose after an overnight fast. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood glucose levels at intervals after drinking a sugary drink. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after the drink indicates diabetes.
A1C Test: Measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. An A1C of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Random Plasma Glucose Test: Measures blood glucose at any time of day. A level of 200 mg/dL or higher, along with symptoms of diabetes, indicates diabetes.
Timeline of Symptoms
The development of Type 2 Diabetes is often gradual, and many people may not experience noticeable symptoms for years. The progression might look like this:
Early Stages: No symptoms or mild symptoms like increased thirst or fatigue may be present.
Pre-diabetes: Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Symptoms may be absent or very mild.
Progression: Over time, as insulin resistance worsens and the pancreas struggles to keep up, symptoms such as frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores may appear.
Late Stages: If left unmanaged, the disease may cause severe complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye damage.
Important Considerations
10. Important considerations:
Complications: Type 2 Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), foot problems, skin conditions, and hearing impairment.
Individualized Treatment: Management plans should be tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Education: Patients should receive comprehensive diabetes education to understand their condition and how to manage it effectively.
Team Approach: Optimal care involves a team of healthcare professionals, including a primary care physician, endocrinologist, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and other specialists as needed.
Mental Health: Addressing potential mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety, which can impact diabetes management.
Pregnancy: Women with diabetes need to manage their condition carefully before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure a healthy outcome for both mother and baby.
Regular Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and kidney function is essential for preventing complications.
Prevention: Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in people at high risk.