Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Information

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body, which is due to impaired insulin action or reduced insulin production by the pancreas.

What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus can progress for a long time without clinical complaints. When present, symptoms include inability to lose weight, dry mouth, polyuria and polydipsia, fatigue, slow-healing wounds, frequent urological infections.

Causes of Type 2 diabetes

The main cause of the disease is being overweight and obese, with elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and increased blood pressure - a condition known as "Metabolic syndrome". This gradually leads to insulin resistance, increased blood sugar levels, prediabetic state and diabetes mellitus.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

A laboratory test of venous blood is used for:

• Glycated hemoglobin
• fasting blood glucose
• IRI (immunoreactive insulin)
• if necessary, an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) with 75g glucose is performed

What complications does Type 2 diabetes lead to?

Complications are acute and chronic.

• Acute complications are the subject of emergency care in cases of hypo or hyperglycemia with diabetic ketoacidosis
• Chronic complications are Diabetic macroangiopathy, Diabetic nephropathy, Diabetic neuropathy
• Diabetic foot - Foot complications, Diabetic retinopathy

How is Type 2 diabetes treated?

Treatment preferably involves, where possible, a change in lifestyle, and the inclusion of oral therapy when required by an endocrinologist specialist.

What is the prevention?

Lifestyle changes, healthy eating, physical activity.