Type 2 diabetes

What is it

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is characterized by insufficient production of insulin, the hormone that allows the use of glucose as an energy source, with accumulation of glucose in the blood.

It usually occurs in adulthood, after the age of 45, although recently it seems to tend to develop even earlier, in association with the increase in obesity and overweight.

It is also referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes, because it typically does not require daily insulin therapy as it does in type 1 diabetes.

Causes

As with type 1, the disease recognizes a certain familiarity: having a diabetic relative increases the risk of developing the disease.

But in type 2 there are other predisposing factors to consider: first of all, excess weight; then physical inactivity, age, possible poor glucose tolerance.

Common symptoms

Frequent urination, excessive thirst, abnormal tiredness and other typical signs of type 1 diabetes can also occur in type 2, but in a less noticeable and more gradual way.

Since for years the disease can be completely asymptomatic, to avoid the danger of discovering it late when it has already caused damage, after the age of 40 it is advisable to undergo blood glucose checks at least once a year, even in the absence of symptoms.

Complications

Excessive concentration of glucose in the blood can lead to damage to the heart and vessels over time; but also in the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys (nephropathy) and nervous system (neuropathy). The consequences can be very serious.

However, it is possible to prevent them or drastically reduce the risk with systematic self-control of blood sugar and proper therapy.

Therapy

As with type 1 diabetes, also in type 2 the goal of therapy is to maintain a blood sugar as close as possible to normal.

Weight control, a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential and in some cases can be enough.

If taking these measures is not enough, the doctor may prescribe oral hypoglycemic drugs and, in some cases, also add insulin.

When to contact your doctor

If you suspect you have diabetes, it is always necessary to consult your doctor who will prescribe the analyzes to be performed and, if the disease is confirmed, he will be able to give all the indications on how to implement the daily self-control of blood sugar and which therapy to follow.

In type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the patient’s ability to manage their condition on a daily basis, following the indications of the diabetologist is as important as periodic visits and check-ups.