Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose enter cells for energy, and without effective insulin function, glucose builds up in the bloodstream.
Common symptoms include increased thirst and urination, constant hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores or frequent infections.
Short-term complications include hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Long-term complications can be divided into microvascular and macrovascular complications. Microvascular complications include retinopathy (eye damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), and neuropathy (nerve damage). Macrovascular complications include cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The primary goals are to improve quality of life, reduce immediate and long-term complications, and achieve cardio-metabolic benefits. Key markers include HbA1c, blood pressure, albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and cholesterol levels.
Recommended lifestyle changes include:
– Healthy Diet: Emphasize whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting sugars and refined carbs.
– Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
– Weight Management: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight to improve insulin sensitivity.
– Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking to reduce cardiovascular risks.
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