Understanding Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Type 2 diabetes is a burgeoning health issue in the UK, with millions suffering. This long-term condition interferes with the body’s capacity to maintain normal levels of glucose, resulting in potentially fatal complications if not controlled. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease, Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors, though genetics also plays a role.
Avoiding complications—heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems—can occur if diabetes isn’t controlled. The Chase Lodge Hospital blog looks at the causes, symptoms, and how to treat Type 2 diabetes to empower you to take charge of your health with expert advice.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the body not reacting to it. As a result, glucose stays in the bloodstream, where it circulates and becomes damaging to the body.
Previously, Type 2 diabetes was something that developed in adults over 45; however, with the surge in obesity and sedentary lifestyles has come a corresponding surge in those diagnosed at a younger age. While insulin is needed from the start in Type 1 diabetes, it is possible to manage Type 2 diabetes in the early stage with lifestyle modification (diet and exercise) and oral medications.
Causes and Risk Factors
Type 2 diabetes is brought on by many factors:
- Genetics: Risk is higher for individuals with a family history of diabetes.
- Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly in the abdomen, impairs the body’s cells’ ability to use insulin.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Not exercising decreases the efficiency of glucose use by the body.
- Poor diet: Insulin resistance and weight gain are caused by processed, refined, and high-sugar diets.
- Age: Risk increases after 45, though younger people, and even children, are now increasingly vulnerable.
- Ethnicity: People with Middle Eastern, South Asian, or African-Caribbean ancestry are more vulnerable.
Other risk factors include having high blood pressure or gestational diabetes during pregnancy, as well as having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Symptoms to Watch For
The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can slowly emerge and even be easy to miss. Common signs include:
- Heightened thirst and urine (as the body attempts to eliminate the sugar).
- Fatigue (because cells are deprived of glucose).
- Unintended weight loss (the body starts to use fat and muscle for energy).
- Blurry vision (blood sugar deposits in the lens).
- Slow-healing sores and frequent infections (glucose can weaken immunity).
Some people have no symptoms at all in the early stages of the disease, which is why it is crucial to have regular health checks and to be especially vigilant if you have many risk factors.
Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes
Treatment for Type 2 diabetes includes adopting a healthier lifestyle, medications, and occasionally, insulin use.
Lifestyle Changes
The cornerstones of management in diabetes include:
- Nutrition: A healthy, high-fibre, whole-grain diet that includes lean proteins and healthy fats helps to manage blood sugar. Cutting out sugar and refined carbs is essential.
- Frequent exercise: At least 150 minutes per week of moderate movement, such as brisk walking, can help improve insulin sensitivity.
- Weight: Shedding just 5–10 percent of body weight can drop blood sugar levels.
- Stop smoking and moderate alcohol: both can exacerbate diabetes complications.
Medications
If lifestyle modifications are ineffective, a physician could suggest:
- Metformin: The initial drug, which lowers glucose production in the liver.
- Sulfonylureas (for example, gliclazide): These increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas.
- Other choices: SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists can aid with weight loss and heart health.
Insulin Therapy
Insulin injections may be necessary in certain situations to regulate blood sugar. This may be temporary (such as during an illness) or may be permanent if the pancreas makes little to no insulin.
Regular Monitoring and Specialist Support
Regular checks at Chase Lodge Hospital mean your treatment programme remains appropriate. Regular blood sugar checks, HbA1c tests (which measure average glucose levels), and specialist advice can prevent complications.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that’s manageable with the right approach—lifestyle changes, medication, and reliable medical care can help keep blood sugar levels steady and lower the chances of developing additional health problems. Acting early is best to live well with diabetes.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any worries or would like some help with managing Type 2 diabetes—book a consultation at Chase Lodge Hospital today. Reclaiming control of your health, here and now, can lead to a healthier, more active future.
