Сахарный диабет 2 типа: что нужно знать

What kind of disease is this?

Who does it affect?

What are its symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and treatment?

Are you looking for answers about this disease for yourself or your loved ones? We are here exactly for that — to provide you with the most reliable information.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that develops when the hormone insulin — which regulates blood sugar (glucose) — is either not produced in sufficient amounts by the pancreas or the body cannot use it effectively.

Diabetes is mainly divided into two types: type 1 and type 2.

How many people live with diabetes worldwide?

Today, more than 450 million people around the world are living with diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this number may reach 700 million by 2045. The epidemic of diabetes is increasing especially rapidly in developing countries.

The pancreas

The pancreas is a small organ located in the abdominal cavity. It produces digestive enzymes and also plays a key role in producing insulin and other essential endocrine hormones.

What is insulin and what is its function?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Its main role is to help glucose in the blood enter cells to be used as an energy source.

When insulin is insufficient or ineffective, blood glucose levels rise, which leads to diabetes.

What is the prognosis of diabetes?

People living with diabetes can lead full and healthy lives if they follow proper treatment and preventive measures. However, uncontrolled diabetes can result in serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, limb amputations, and even blindness.

Who develops diabetes?

Causes of diabetes:

Diabetes may develop due to genetic factors, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and obesity. Other causes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain gynecological conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Type 2 diabetes occurs more often in older adults and is usually related to reduced sensitivity of the body to insulin. Even though the pancreas may still produce insulin, the body’s cells become resistant to it.

What are the consequences of high blood sugar?

Elevated blood sugar primarily damages small blood vessels. Since blood vessels are present throughout the body, this can gradually harm the nervous system, kidneys, eyes, and heart. If not prevented in time, such complications can even lead to death.

Risk factors for diabetes:

• Overweight
• Physical inactivity
• Unhealthy diet
• Genetic predisposition
• Age over 45
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), etc.
   

Symptoms of diabetes (common to all types):

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds
• Dry and itchy skin

How is diabetes diagnosed?

There are several main methods for diagnosing diabetes. The most common are blood tests to measure glucose levels.

• Fasting plasma glucose test: The patient fasts for at least 8 hours before the test. If blood glucose is 126 mg/dl or higher, diabetes is diagnosed.
• Random plasma glucose test: Glucose levels are measured after eating. If blood glucose is 200 mg/dl or higher, this is also a sign of diabetes.
• HbA1c test: Measures the average blood glucose level over the past 2–3 months. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
   

What are the treatment options?

Currently, there is no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed with various treatment methods aimed at keeping blood glucose levels within the normal range and preventing complications.

Treatment methods include:

• Medications: For example, metformin increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin, while sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.
• Insulin therapy: Some patients require insulin injections or an insulin pump, which delivers insulin continuously to keep blood glucose stable.
• Lifestyle changes: Healthy diet and regular physical activity play a critical role in controlling diabetes.
• Pancreas transplantation: Rarely performed, usually in severe cases. In some patients, this can eliminate the need for insulin, but the success rate is limited.

The most important thing for living with diabetes is strict adherence to medical advice, timely intake of medications, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels. Learning about diabetes and adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for managing the condition.

Conclusion

If you would like to learn more about diabetes, visit AkdaMedline.org for detailed information.

Your health is very important to us.