What is Type 2 Diabetes : Everything about Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction to Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by the body's inability to effectively use glucose, results from a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Managing this condition effectively involves a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes, medication, and potentially advanced treatments like weight loss surgery and ACF therapy. 

This guide provides essential insights into daily management strategies to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body struggles to regulate and use glucose, or sugar, as fuel. This issue leads to excessively high sugar levels in the bloodstream, which over time can damage the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems. 

The root of type 2 diabetes lies in two major issues: insufficient insulin production by the pancreas and a reduced response of cells to insulin, which means they absorb less sugar.

Previously known as adult-onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes can develop both in childhood and adulthood, though it's more commonly seen in older adults. However, a rising incidence of obesity in children has also led to more young people being diagnosed with the condition.

Is Type 2 diabetes serious?

Yes, Type 2 diabetes is a serious medical condition that demands attention and management. It not only affects the body's ability to use glucose effectively but can also lead to severe health complications if left uncontrolled. Complications can include heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage, among others. 

Regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and proper treatment are crucial to managing diabetes and preventing or minimizing these serious risks. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with type 2 diabetes.

Cause of Type 2 diabetes

Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. This condition occurs when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver start to respond poorly to insulin, a crucial hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.

When your body doesn't react properly to insulin, your pancreas is forced to produce more insulin to manage rising blood sugar levels—a condition known as hyperinsulinemia. If the insulin resistance intensifies and the pancreas can no longer keep up, type 2 diabetes can develop.

Several factors contribute to insulin resistance, including:

• Genetics
• Carrying excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen and internal organs (visceral fat)
• Lack of physical activity
• A diet high in processed foods and saturated fats
• Certain medications, such as long-term use of corticosteroids
• Hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome
• Chronic stress and insufficient sleep can exacerbate insulin resistance.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes tend to develop gradually. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

• A noticeable increase in thirst.
• The need to urinate more often.
• Greater hunger than usual.
• Unexpected weight loss.
• A general feeling of tiredness.
• Blurry vision.
• Sores that heal slowly.
• More frequent infections than normal.
• Numbness or a tingling sensation in the hands or feet.
• Darker skin patches, typically found in the armpits and neck.

How is Type 2 diabetes diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider can use several blood tests to diagnose type 2 diabetes:

• Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: This test measures your blood sugar after an 8-hour fast, typically done in the morning. You should only drink water during the fasting period. A blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
• Random Plasma Glucose Test: Unlike the fasting test, this test can be done at any time, regardless of when you last ate. A blood sugar result of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
• A1C Test: This test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher is considered diagnostic for diabetes.
   

Type 2 diabetes vs Type 1 diabetes
 

Best Available Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Managing Type 2 diabetes is more than just a medical challenge; it's about transforming your lifestyle, embracing effective treatments, and exploring innovative therapies to help you live your healthiest life. Here are a few ways to manage Type 2 diabetes:

1. Lifestyle changes to cure Type 2 Diabetes:

Managing your blood sugar levels effectively can sometimes be achieved through lifestyle adjustments alone. Here’s how to manage Type 2 diabetes in daily life: 

• Weight Loss: Shedding a few pounds can make a lot of difference. Aim to lose at least 7% of your body weight; for instance, if you weigh 180 pounds, a 13-pound loss can help regulate your blood sugar levels.
• Healthy Eating: There isn't a one-size-fits-all diet for type 2 diabetes, but reducing calories, cutting back on refined carbohydrates and sweets, and increasing your intake of vegetables, fruits, and fibre can be beneficial. Consulting a registered dietitian can help tailor your diet to manage carbs effectively.
• Exercise: Incorporate 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This can include walking, cycling, swimming, or strength training activities like yoga or weightlifting. If you're taking medications that affect blood sugar levels, you might need to consume a  snack before exercising.

• Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: If you use insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications, your doctor will guide how often you should check your blood sugar levels.

2. Medication to cure Type 2 Diabetes:

If lifestyle adjustments don't sufficiently control your blood sugar levels, medication might be necessary. Common medications for type 2 diabetes include:

• Metformin: Often the first choice, it reduces glucose production in the liver and enhances insulin sensitivity.
• Sulfonylureas: This class of drugs, including glimepiride, glipizide, and glyburide, boosts insulin production.
• Meglitinides: Similar to sulfonylureas but act faster; examples are nateglinide and repaglinide.
• Thiazolidinediones: Increase insulin sensitivity but have a potential risk of heart issues; includes pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.
• DPP-4 inhibitors: These drugs, like linagliptin, saxagliptin, and sitagliptin, block the enzyme DPP-4, helping to lower blood sugar but may cause joint pain and increase pancreatitis risk.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists: Administered via injection, they slow digestion and lower blood sugar. Common ones are exenatide, liraglutide, and semaglutide.
• SGLT2 inhibitors: They enhance glucose excretion through the kidneys. Examples include canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin, the latter also reducing heart failure risks.
• GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist: Tirzepatide, a dual activator of GLP-1 and GIP receptors, significantly improves blood sugar control.
• Insulin: Options like insulin detemir and insulin glargine provide long-lasting control, usually administered at night.

Despite lifestyle changes and medication, diabetes can progress, necessitating adjustments in treatment over time. This progression is natural and not indicative of failure in management.

3. Weight-loss surgery to cure Type 2 Diabetes:

Weight loss surgery can be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes by helping in significant weight loss. These surgeries work by either restricting food intake or reducing nutrient absorption. To maximize the benefits of this surgery, a commitment to sustained healthy lifestyle changes is vital. 

Various options exist, so consulting with your doctor is crucial to determine if weight loss surgery is suitable for you.

4. Alternative therapy to cure Type 2 Diabetes:

There is a way to treat Type 2 diabetes while leading a healthy life. ACF therapy for type 2 diabetes is one such way which harnesses the body's healing powers using the ones own cells, particularly cell fractions from adipose tissue or bone marrow. 

This minimally invasive, ethical approach offers personalised regenerative medicine by tapping into the body's natural abilities for repair, immunomodulation, and tissue regeneration.

ACF therapy has the potential to rejuvenate insulin-producing beta cells and significantly promote organ health by using the body's ability to heal itself rapidly. Potential benefits include: 

• A slowdown in the progression of Type 2 Diabetes, 
• A proactive approach to prevent/delay organ damage due to high blood sugar levels
• A boost in insulin production coupled with a decrease in insulin resistance
• Reduction in HbA1c levels
• Reduction in overall blood sugar levels
• Reduction in body swelling & enhanced mobility.
• Quicker wound healing, minimising the risk of infections and complications.
• Enhanced functionality of organs impacted

When should a Diabetic consider ACF Therapy? 

ACF therapy is recommended when an individual is experiencing any one of the following -

• HbA1c levels exceed 6.5% 
• Fasting blood sugar levels consistently surpass 135 mg/dL
• Blood sugar after meal (postprandial) consistently above 200 mg/dL

Best outcomes from this therapy are most often observed in individuals under the age of 75. 

By integrating everything from simple lifestyle adjustments to advanced ACF therapy, individuals can manage Type 2 diabetes with a holistic approach that promises a more energetic and fulfilling future.

How to Manage Your Type 2 Diabetes in Daily Life

Managing diabetes effectively involves monitoring various factors that can affect your blood sugar levels. A balanced diet is crucial, and methods like carbohydrate counting or using the plate method can help. 

Regular exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar, but it's important to coordinate activity with meal and medication schedules to avoid fluctuations. Medication plays a key role, and it's vital to discuss any new prescriptions with your healthcare team to ensure they don't interfere with your diabetes management. 

Staying hydrated, understanding the impact of stress, alcohol, and illness, and adjusting your diet or medication during these times are also essential. Always consult with your healthcare team to tailor these strategies to your specific needs, ensuring you maintain your blood sugar within the recommended range.

FAQ

Q1. How do people get Type 2 diabetes?

Ans. Factors such as genetics, excess abdominal fat, sedentary lifestyle, diets high in processed foods, certain medications, hormonal disorders, and inadequate sleep, all exacerbate the condition.

Q2. Can I live a normal life with type 2 diabetes?

Ans. You can live a normal life with type 2 diabetes through diligent management and regular healthcare consultations. Innovative treatments like Autologous Cell Fraction (ACF) therapies can also enhance your overall health management.

Q3. Is type 2 diabetes lifelong?

Ans. Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition, but effective management through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular check-ups can lead to remission. Maintaining normal blood sugar without medication is possible with significant weight loss and healthy habits.

Q4. What are the first warning signs of type 2 diabetes?

Ans. Early signs of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and numbness in extremities. Since these symptoms develop gradually, it's important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice them.

Q5. Can exercise reverse diabetes?

Ans. Increasing physical activity helps manage diabetes, but combining it with a lower-calorie diet can significantly boost your chances of achieving remission.

Q6. What foods should I avoid with diabetes?

Ans. If you have diabetes, it's best to avoid foods high in refined sugars and carbs, such as sugary snacks, sodas, and white bread. Also, limit foods with saturated and trans fats like fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, and full-fat dairy. Opt instead for whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to help manage your blood sugar levels effectively.