Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DMT2) is a persistent metabolic illness characterized by insulin resistance and abnormal insulin secretion, leading to increased blood glucose levels. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels and facilitating the cellular uptake of glucose as a source of energy (Ling et al., 2020). In this ailment, cells within the body become less responsive to insulin effects while the pancreas struggles to maintain normal blood levels by producing adequate amounts.
Several factors increase one’s chances of developing type 2 diabetes, which include hereditary predisposition, sedentary lifestyles, excess weight, and poor eating habits (Ling et al., 2020). The global epidemiology of type II diabetes constitutes a significant concern. More than four hundred million individuals worldwide have diabetes, with approximately ninety per cent of all cases attributed to Type II diabetes (Ling et al., 2020). Areas with high rates of unhealthy dieting practices and obesity tend to be more prone to type 2 diabetes.
Etiology and Risk Factors
Type 2 diabetes can be brought on by several factors, such as genes, an inactive lifestyle, and poor eating habits, leading to obesity. Some risk factors associated with this condition include family history, age, and obesity (Ismail et al., 2021). With age comes increased risk; therefore, older people are likely to be at higher risk than younger ones.
Although its occurrence among males has been more prevalent than among females in the past few decades, there are fewer gender-related disparities today. Factors such as urbanization and lack of food access have contributed to escalating cases of diabetes worldwide. Predisposition to this disease is believed to be inherited, and specific variants make individuals at risk.
Pathophysiological Processes
At the cellular level, insulin resistance occurs in type 2 diabetes, leading to impaired insulin signaling and elevated blood glucose levels. Such a failure and abnormal insulin secretion affect organs and tissues such as adipose tissue, the liver, muscles, and the pancreas. Initially, the body attempts to adapt by producing more of the hormone, but in the long run, the pancreas may fail (Ismail et al., 2021). Cells can undergo metabolic changes to manage elevated glucose levels, which can lead to complications. Symptoms include thirstiness, increased thirst, fatigue, and misty eyes or blurred vision.
Manifestations and Complications
Physical signs of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. Diagnostic signs include elevated blood glucose levels, abnormal HbA1c levels, and insulin resistance. Some symptoms that help in diagnosis are polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and persistent fatigue (Ismail et al., 2021). Complications consist of cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, neuropathy, and retinopathy. If these complications remain untreated, they may cause heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, or blindness, which impair the patient’s quality of life and increase the chances of dying prematurely.
Diagnostics
For type 2 diabetes, joint laboratory and diagnostic tests may include fasting blood glucose, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and HbA1c measurement to assess long-term glucose control. Raised fasting blood sugar and abnormal OGTT results indicate a problem with glucose metabolism, suggesting insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production (Ling et al., 2020). A raised level of HbA1c indicates prolonged hyperglycemia and, thus, an increased risk for complications.
Interview
The interviewee was a 55-year-old close friend of the researcher. He has lived with type 2 diabetes for the last decade. He has “frequent tiredness, increased thirst, and sometimes hazy vision.” Complications include intermittent feelings of numbness in the feet and early signs of kidney problems.
In addition, he was also diagnosed with hypertension, which complicates the situation even further in terms of managing diabetes. It entails daily medication, diet control, and occasional doctor visits. However, he always tries to be optimistic despite his health issues. A family support system and proactive approach to self-care contribute to these feelings of empowerment. However, there are moments in life when he feels “frustrated and worried about the future.”
References
Ismail, L., Materwala, H., & Al Kaabi, J. (2021). Association of risk factors with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review. Computational and Structural Biotechnology journal, 19, 1759-1785.
Ling, W., Huang, Y., Huang, Y. M., Fan, R. R., Sui, Y., & Zhao, H. L. (2020). Global trend of diabetes mortality attributed to vascular complications, 2000–2016. Cardiovascular Diabetology, 19, 1-12.