Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a condition caused by insulin resistance where insulin does not work normally which causes blood sugar levels to have higher values than normal values. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar (glucose) enter the body's cells and later be converted into energy. For people with type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels become high because the body's cells cannot recognize the hormone insulin which is known as insulin resistance.
The exact cause of this condition is actually unknown, but there are two related conditions that cause type 2 diabetes, as below:
- Cells in muscle, fat, and liver become resistant to insulin, causing excess blood sugar to become unusable and sugar to remain in the blood.
- The pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Most people with type 2 diabetes are not aware of the existence of this disease before the appearance of the following symptoms:
- Increased frequency of urination, especially at night.
- Feeling thirsty constantly.
- Feeling very tired.
- Often feel hungry.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Experiencing itching around the genitals.
- Often experience canker sores.
- There are wounds that are difficult to heal.
- Blurred vision.
- Susceptible to infection.
- Pain or numbness in the feet and hands.
- Often tingling.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, there are also complications that can be experienced by people with type 2 diabetes which include heart disease, diabetic wounds, and Alzheimer's disease.
How is type 2 diabetes treated?
There are several treatment processes that can be carried out by people with type 2 diabetes, including:
- Eat healthy food.
This can be done by making a schedule for regular healthy meals and snacks, eating foods that are not excessive or enough, eating high-fiber foods, and avoiding the consumption of refined grains, starchy vegetables, sweet snacks, and candy. - Do physical exercise regularly.
Some exercises that can be done are aerobic exercise, and resistance training, and often take the time to stand, walk, or do a lighter activity every 30 minutes. - Undergoing the procedure to achieve ideal body weight.
Being overweight will cause poor control of blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels. - Monitor sugar levels regularly.
This procedure aims to ensure that blood sugar levels remain within normal numbers and can be done once a day and before or after exercise. - Insulin therapy or routinely taking medication.
Usually, insulin therapy and drug consumption will be advised by a doctor if the points above cannot help maintain blood sugar levels.
As a preventive measure for type 2 diabetes, you can change your lifestyle to be healthier such as eating healthy food / healthy diet, moving actively, and getting enough rest. If you or your closest relative experiences the symptoms above, immediately check with the nearest doctor so that they can be treated further.
To find out more about type 2 diabetes, you can consult with a Metabolic and Diabetes Endocrinologist.
Article was written by dr. Roi P. Sibarani, SpPD-KEMD, FES (Internal Medicine Specialist (Internist) - Endocrine, Metabolic & Diabetes Consultant at EMC Sentul Hospital).