TYPE 2 DIABETES : CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & SIGNS

Let us all understand type 2 diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops gradually with age and is characterized by insulin resistance in the body.¹

CAUSES OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

Insulin is a hormone, produced by the pancreas, which helps in the movement of sugar from the blood to the body cells, where this sugar is used for energy. What insulin resistance essentially means is that the cells of the body are unable to use insulin effectively.²

Owing to this resistance, the sugar present in the bloodstream is not able to move into the fat, liver, and muscle cells, where it would have been utilized for the formation of energy. Consequently, there is an abnormal buildup of sugar in the bloodstream, known as hyperglycemia, which affects the body functions.¹

However, still the exact cause or triggers the series of events leading to type 2 diabetes is unknown. However, following factors are considered to cause type 2 diabetes:²

• Abnormal functioning of either the pancreatic cells or the cells involved with signaling and regulation of blood sugar and insulin in the body.
• Genetic predisposition to developing type 2 diabetes or even obesity, which increases the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes.

However, in most of the cases, it is a combination of factors that increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.²

Let’s also understand the factors that can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes²:

• A parent, a brother, or a sister having type 2 diabetes
• Age is above 45 years
• Woman having a hormonal disorder known as polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Woman having diabetes during pregnancy (known as gestational diabetes)
• Being overweight or obese
• Having group of conditions in a combination, namely high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood sugar, and extra fat around the waist.
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Consuming lot of junk food
• Smoking

SYMPTOMS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

Now, let’s get acquainted with the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. You will be surprised to know that the symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop slowly. So, initially the symptoms might appear so mild that there are heavy chances that you might ignore them.

Here is a list of early symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

If your blood sugar levels have been high for a long time, the symptoms can include

If the above symptoms appear in a combination, it is time that you consult a doctor. Without appropriate treatment, diabetes can become life-threatening.