NID diabetes, now more commonly referred to as Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar due to insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body doesn't use insulin properly (insulin resistance), and the pancreas can't produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance. Initially, the pancreas may produce extra insulin to compensate, but over time, it loses its ability to keep up, leading to elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).
Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
- Insulin Resistance: Cells in muscles, fat, and the liver don't respond effectively to insulin, preventing glucose from entering these cells for energy.
- Insufficient Insulin Production: The pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels, particularly as insulin resistance increases.
Factors Contributing to Type 2 Diabetes
Several factors can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
- Genetics: A family history of diabetes increases your risk.
- Lifestyle:
- Obesity or Overweight: Excess weight, especially abdominal fat, is a significant risk factor.
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular exercise contributes to insulin resistance.
- Unhealthy Diet: High consumption of sugary drinks, processed foods, and saturated fats can increase the risk.
- Age: The risk increases with age, particularly after age 45.
- Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, have a higher risk.
- Prediabetes: Having prediabetes (blood sugar levels higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes) significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication:
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet: Following a balanced diet that is low in carbohydrates and processed foods, and high in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Weight Management: Losing even a small amount of weight can significantly improve blood sugar levels.
- Medications:
- Oral Medications: Various medications are available to help improve insulin sensitivity, increase insulin production, or reduce glucose absorption.
- Insulin Therapy: Some people with type 2 diabetes may eventually need insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NID diabetes, now known as type 2 diabetes, is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It is primarily managed through lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, medication.
