Discover the most effective treatments for type 2 diabetes: medications, lifestyle changes, healthy eating, and natural options.
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, and its prevalence continues to rise. Often silent in its early stages, this condition develops when the body fails to properly utilize insulin or does not produce enough to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
Although it may seem overwhelming, the good news is that type 2 diabetes can be prevented and controlled in many cases with early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and appropriate medical treatment.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body metabolizes blood glucose (sugar). In this condition, the body becomes insulin resistant or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.
It is the most common type of diabetes and usually develops in adults, although it can also appear in young people who are obese or have a sedentary lifestyle.
Causes and risk factors of diabetes
Type 2 diabetes doesn’t appear overnight. It’s the result of a combination of genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle factors that affect how the body uses insulin. Although a single cause can’t always be identified, several risk factors are known that significantly increase the likelihood of developing this disease. Knowing these factors is key to prevention, early diagnosis, and proper management.
Causes
- Insulin resistance
- Insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas
- Accumulation of visceral fat (abdominal fat)
Risk factors
- Overweight or obesity
- Sedentary life
- Unhealthy eating
- Age over 45 years
- Family history of diabetes
- Hypertension or high cholesterol
- Previous gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Symptoms can develop slowly and sometimes go unnoticed. The most common are:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Constant hunger
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent infections (skin, gums, bladder)
- Wounds that take time to heal
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Diagnosis and testing for type 2 diabetes
Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made through blood tests that assess glucose levels. The most common are:
1. Fasting glucose
This is one of the most commonly used tests to diagnose diabetes. It measures blood glucose levels after fasting for at least 8 hours, usually in the morning. A glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL indicates diabetes.
- Normal values: Less than 100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: Between 100 and 125 mg/dL
- Type 2 diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests
Advantage: It is simple and economical.
Limitation: May not detect mild alterations in glucose tolerance.
2. Hemoglobin A1c ≥ 6.5% indicates diabetes
Also known as HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin, this test measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is useful for diagnosing and long-term diabetes management.
- Normal values: Less than 5.7%
- Prediabetes: Between 5.7% and 6.4%
- Type 2 diabetes: 6.5% or more (confirmed on a second test)
Advantage: Does not require fasting and reflects overall glucose control.
Limitation: May be altered in people with anemia, kidney disease or hemoglobinopathies.
3. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL
This test assesses how the body handles a large glucose load. It is performed in two steps:
- Fasting glucose is measured.
- The person then drinks a solution containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water.
- Glucose is measured again 2 hours after taking the drink.
- Normal values (2h post-glucose): Less than 140 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: Between 140 and 199 mg/dL
- Type 2 diabetes: 200 mg/dL or more
Advantage: Very useful for detecting prediabetes or diabetes in its early stages.
Limitation: It is a long test (2+ hours), can cause nausea, and requires more preparation.
4. Random glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL with typical symptoms of diabetes
This test measures glucose at any time of day, without the need for fasting. It is primarily used when a person has obvious symptoms of diabetes, such as:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Intense fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Result indicating type 2 diabetes: If levels are ≥ 200 mg/dL in a single measurement and symptoms are present
Advantage: Useful for rapid diagnosis when symptoms are evident.
Limitation: Not sufficient on its own if there are no symptoms; confirmation with another test is required.
Differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes
| Characteristics | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
| Age of onset | Childhood or adolescence | Adulthood (although it can appear in younger people) |
| Cause | The immune system destroys insulin-producing cells | Insulin resistance + insufficient production |
| Insulin | Needed from diagnosis | May or may not be required |
| Progression | Fast | Slow and progressive |
| Prevention | It can’t be prevented | It can be prevented with healthy habits |
Drug treatment
Treatment aims to keep glucose levels within a healthy range. It may include:
- Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight control)
- Oral medications
- Insulin injections, if other treatments are not sufficient
- Regular glucose monitoring
Treatment is individualized and may change over time depending on the progression of the disease.
Do you have questions about your glucose level or symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Don’t wait any longer to take care of your health. At My Doctor Family Clinic, we have a trained medical team to perform examinations, provide a reliable diagnosis, and design a personalized treatment plan.
Save time and schedule your appointment with My Doctor Family Clinic today!
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