About T2DM
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes glucose (sugar), which is your body’s main source of fuel. In T2DM, your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. As a result, too much glucose stays in your bloodstream, which can lead to serious health problems over time. In T2DM, the pancreas still makes some insulin, but it is not working as well as it used to, before T2DM.
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Causes of T2DM
The exact cause of T2DM is still unknown, but it's clear that certain factors increase the risk of developing the condition. These include:
- Genetics: Family history of diabetes can significantly increase the risk.
- Obesity: Excess fat, particularly abdominal fat, makes cells more resistant to insulin.
- Inactivity: Physical activity helps control weight, uses up glucose as energy, and makes cells more sensitive to insulin.
- Age: Although T2DM can develop at any age, the risk increases as you get older.
- Ethnic Background: Certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, are at higher risk.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: For women, having PCOS increases the risk of diabetes.
- High Blood Pressure and Abnormal Cholesterol Levels: These conditions are often linked with T2DM.
Risk Factors for T2DM
​Understanding the risk factors for T2DM can help in prevention and early detection:
- Weight: Being overweight is a primary risk factor.
- Fat Distribution: If your body stores fat primarily in your abdomen, your risk is greater.
- Diet: Consuming high amounts of processed foods, sugary drinks, and red or processed meats can increase risk.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to weight gain and insulin resistance.
- Family History: Having a parent or sibling with T2DM increases your risk.
- Age: The risk of T2DM increases with age, especially after age 45.
- Prediabetes: If you have prediabetes, your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
- Gestational Diabetes: If you develop diabetes during pregnancy, you are at higher risk of developing T2DM later.
Impact on Health
The long-term effects of T2DM can be severe and life-threatening. Some of the health impacts include:
- Cardiovascular Disease: T2DM significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and narrowing of blood vessels.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Excess sugar can injure the walls of the tiny blood vessels that nourish your nerves, especially in your legs.
- Kidney Damage (Nephropathy): T2DM can damage the delicate filtering system in your kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure.
- Eye Damage (Retinopathy): Diabetes can damage the retina's blood vessels, leading to blindness.
- Foot Damage: Nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow increases the risk of various foot complications.
- Skin Conditions: Diabetes may leave you more susceptible to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections.
- Hearing Impairment: Diabetes can increase the risk of hearing problems.
- Alzheimer’s Disease: T2DM may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Lifespan Changes: People with T2DM have a shorter life expectancy due to complications associated with the disease. Effective management can significantly reduce these risks.
