TYPE-2 diabetes is a long-term health condition where one blood sugar levels stay too high. This happens because one body resist insulin or does not make enough of it, meaning sugar cannot enter the cells to supply energy . it disrupts blood glucose regulation because the body develops insulin resistance, meaning muscle ,fat and liver cells are do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, glucose cannot enter cells efficiently for energy, causing sugar to build up in the blood stream and leading to high blood sugar levels
ROLE OF INSULIN IN THE BODY
Insulin is the vital hormone made by the pancreas that acts like a key. It unlocks body cells so that glucose from digested food can move out of the blood and into the cells to be used for energy.
How insulin works?
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that acts like a key. It also tells the liver to store extra sugar for later use, keeping the blood sugar levels normal . A progreesive decline in insulin production occurs when the beta cells in the pancreas gradually lose ability to function or survive. This process is driven by chronic metabolic stress ,lipotoxicity, and persistent high demand from insulin resistance.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body stops making insulin, whereas Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body makes insulin but cannot use it well . both cause high blood sugar, but they have different causes ,onset speeds and treatments.
- Type 1 : The immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. The body has no insulin.
- Type 2: The body has insulin resistance . cells do not respond to insulin, and the pancreas later stops making enough.
Causes of Diabetes
- Family history of diabetes
Having a family history of diabetes means once chance of getting type 2 diabetes goes up because of shared genes and habits. However, having a parent, or sibling with the condition does not mean one will get it. Eating good food ,moving your body and staying a healthy weight can lower one risk.
- Overweight and obesity
Overweight and obesity are the primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat-especially visceral fat around the abdomen –causes chronic inflammation and releases fatty acids into the blood . this process makes muscle and tissue cells resistant to insulin, forcing the pancreas to overwork until it can no longer produce enough insulin to control blood sugar.
- Unhealthy diet patterns
Unhealthy diet patterns drive type 2 diabetes by causing rapid blood sugar spikes, chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. Diets heavy in sugar, refined grains and unhealthy fats overload the body’s metabolism and lead to excess visceral fat storage.
- Increasing age
As one gets older, the risk of type 2 diabetes goes up. This happens because the body changes overtime, making it harder to control blood sugar
- History of gestational diabetes
A history of gestational diabetes means high blood sugar first found during pregnancy. It stems from placental hormones blocking insulin. The history raises ones lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes upto 70% , sharing core roots like insulin resistance.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Recurrent infections
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Unexplained weight changes
- Some people may have no noticeable symptoms
Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
- fasting plasma glucose test
The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test measures blood sugar after an overnight fast of 8 to 12 hours. It is a primary tool to screen for and diagnose type 2 diabetes . A result of 126 mg/dl or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
- HbA1c test
The HbA1c test measures the attached to the hemoglobin. It shows average blood sugar level over past two to three months. Doctors use it to diagnose prediabetes and type 2 diabetes without needing one to fast beforehand.
- Oral glucose tolerance test
An oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) measures how well the body processes sugar. Doctors use it to diagnose prediabetes , type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The test requires 8 to 12 hour fast , a baseline blood draw , drinking a sweet glucose liquid and follow –up test.