Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for over 90% of all diabetes cases. The main characteristic here is not a lack of insulin but rather insulin resistance – a condition in which the body’s cells stop responding adequately to the insulin produced by the pancreas. As a result, glucose cannot enter the cells and accumulates in the bloodstream.

Causes and risk factors

Unlike Type 1, lifestyle plays a leading role here. The risk of developing the disease increases with:

• Overweight and obesity: Especially the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area (visceral obesity).
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle is a major factor.
• Genetics: Presence of direct relatives with diabetes.
• Metabolic syndrome: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Symptoms and the “hidden” onset

Type 2 diabetes often develops stealthily over the years without clear signs. Many people discover their condition accidentally during routine check-ups. When symptoms appear, they include:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination.
• Constant hunger and fatigue.
• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections (skin, fungal).
• Blurred vision.
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs (diabetic neuropathy).

Diagnostics and tests

If type 2 diabetes is suspected, doctors usually prescribe:

• Fasting blood glucose: A primary indicator.
• Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): The most important marker for blood sugar control over the past 3 months.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): A test of blood sugar after consumption of a glucose solution.
• HOMA index: Calculates levels of insulin resistance.

Treatment and management

The good news is that type 2 diabetes can often be controlled and sometimes even put into remission through lifestyle changes.

• Diet therapy: Limiting refined sugars and fast-digesting carbohydrates. People often seek out ‘diabetic diets’ or ‘foods with a low glycemic index.’
• Physical activity: Regular exercise improves glucose uptake by muscles.
• Medical treatment: Taking oral antidiabetic drugs (tablets) that improve insulin sensitivity or reduce sugar production by the liver.
• Insulin therapy: In advanced stages, the pancreas may become exhausted, necessitating the addition of insulin to the treatment.

Prevention

Preventing type 2 diabetes is possible by maintaining a healthy weight and undergoing regular preventive check-ups, especially if you are in a prediabetic state.

 Synonyms: Non-insulin-dependent diabetes, Metabolic syndrome