What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose (sugar) enter cells to be used as energy. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, this process is impaired, leading to elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
While genetics can play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, lifestyle factors and other health conditions such as diet, physical activity, excess weight, and high blood pressure are significant contributors. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life, though it is occurring more frequently in younger individuals due to our modern, changing lifestyles.
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
Increased thirst and frequent urination
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Unexplained weight loss
Slow healing of wounds or infections
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually, and some individuals may not show symptoms for years, which is why routine screening for at-risk populations is crucial.
If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, such as:
Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney damage
Nerve damage
Vision loss
Poor wound healing
Amputations
Premature death
Unmanaged diabetes can also prevent you from receiving many surgical procedures, including urgent non-elective surgeries. Due to the increased risk of infection, slower healing, and heart problems, your surgeon may recommend treating your diabetes first before performing any procedure.
How is Type 2 Diabetes Treated?
Managing type 2 diabetes typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. While controlling high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is a key goal, preventing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is equally, if not more, critical. For this reason, close monitoring and working with the healthcare provider regularly to manage the condition is essential.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes form the cornerstone of managing type 2 diabetes and can often help individuals achieve better blood sugar control. These include:
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels. Monitoring carbohydrate intake is essential since carbohydrates directly affect blood sugar.
Hydration: As simple as it may seem, drinking water and staying hydrated helps reduce cravings, deters drinking of unhealthy beverages that directly contribute to high blood sugars, and promotes a whole host of many other clinical benefits.
Movement: Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, improves the body’s ability to use insulin and lowers blood sugar levels. While moderate activity is important, strength training can also play a role in improving insulin sensitivity, helping individuals with diabetes better control high blood sugar levels.
Weight Management: For individuals who are overweight or obese, even modest weight loss can improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Medications
When lifestyle changes alone are not enough to control blood sugar, medications are often prescribed. There are over 12 classes of medications for type 2 diabetes treatment, and there are many options within each class. They can range from pills you take once to multiple times a day, to injections you may need once a week or up to multiple time a day as well.
Figuring out what's right for an individual with type 2 diabetes depends on many factors, including:
How early or progressed the condition is
Current lifestyle and preferences
Past medical history and comorbidities
Upcoming procedures or surgeries
Financial access and insurance to afford certain medications
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Regular blood sugar monitoring helps individuals and healthcare providers understand how well treatment plans are working. Patients may use glucose meters or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track their levels throughout the day. Monitoring allows for timely adjustments to diet, exercise, or medications to keep blood sugar within target ranges, also helping prevent both hyper- and hypoglycemia.
Finding the Right Provider
Effectively managing type 2 diabetes requires a team-based approach, with healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable, supportive, and dedicated to helping patients achieve their health goals.
When looking for a provider, consider the following:
Experience in Diabetes Care: The right provider should have expertise in managing type 2 diabetes, including knowledge of the latest treatment options and technologies. Look for a provider with endocrinology training, and for younger individuals with type 2 diabetes, ensure that the provider has experience in all age groups.
Patient-Centered Approach: Diabetes management is not one-size-fits-all. Find a provider who is genuinely interested in getting to know you, who can then customize your treatment plan based on your specific health needs, activity level, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Your provider should be well-versed with all options for diabetes treatment and not have a singular "go-to" plan for all patients they see.
Comprehensive Care: Managing diabetes requires more than just treating high blood sugar. The ideal provider will focus on all aspects of your health, including nutrition, cardiovascular risk management, kidney function, mental health support, and financial accessibility.
Remote Monitoring: You should not be alone in managing your condition. Find a proactive provider who is equipped to remotely monitor your numbers wherever you are, so that they can detect issues early before they develop into potentially serious health issues.
Accessibility and Communication: It is important to choose a provider who is easy to reach and communicates clearly. You should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns about your treatment plan. As there are hundreds of different approaches to type 2 diabetes care, find a provider who is flexible and willing to try different routes that work for you.
Financial Assistance: Type 2 diabetes therapies can be very expensive, especially when it comes to CGM and newer, brand-name medications on the market. Make sure your provider will support you through prior authorizations, navigation of your health insurance, and any other financial assistance programs in order to get you what you need in an affordable and timely manner.
