Diabetes – What Is It and Where Does It Come From? Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes

Among all people with diabetes, the vast majority suffer from diet-related type 2 diabetes. This condition most often develops as a result of overweight or obesity. Type 2 diabetes progresses gradually, and its symptoms can be non-specific. The earlier it is diagnosed, the lower the risk of complications associated with elevated blood glucose levels.

Diabetes – The Most Common Lifestyle Disease

Currently, type 2 diabetes is one of the most widespread lifestyle diseases. It is estimated that 425 million people worldwide are affected, and this number continues to grow. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), by 2045, the number of people living with diabetes will rise to 629 million (1).

This disease most commonly occurs in adults over the age of 30. However, recent statistics show an increasing number of cases among younger individuals, including adolescents.

Nearly half of people with impaired glucose tolerance are unaware of their condition. This is mainly due to the lack of regular blood glucose testing. Unfortunately, untreated diabetes leads to many complications. In 2012 alone, 1.5 million people with diabetes died, 43% of whom were under the age of 70 at the time of death (2).

What Is Diabetes? The Role of Insulin in the Body

Insulin is a hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas, and its primary function is to lower post-meal blood glucose levels. It does this by increasing glucose uptake by peripheral cells.

What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? Type 1 is characterized by an actual and permanent insulin deficiency. In contrast, carbohydrate metabolism issues in type 2 diabetes are usually due to impaired insulin sensitivity or an insulin deficiency.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Several factors contribute to impaired glucose tolerance. These include non-modifiable factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and genetic predisposition.

However, there are also modifiable risk factors:

• excess body weight,

• lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle,

• poor diet high in fats and simple sugars,

• smoking.

Other medical conditions may also be associated with type 2 diabetes, including:

• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),

• Cushing’s syndrome,

• acromegaly,

• hyperthyroidism,

• hyperprolactinemia,

• use of certain medications, such as steroids (3).

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

Diagnosing type 2 diabetes is challenging due to its slow onset and subtle symptoms. The disease is often diagnosed when complications have already developed, such as peripheral neuropathy or kidney problems. Sometimes, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes closely resemble those of type 1.

Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• excessive thirst,

• dry mouth,

• frequent urination,

• increased hunger,

• blurred vision,

• drowsiness, lethargy,

• hand tremors,

• nausea,

• slow-healing wounds.

Other possible symptoms include:

• tingling or numbness in the hands and feet,

• recurrent fungal infections,

• difficulty losing weight,

• chronic fatigue.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Some of the above symptoms may not immediately suggest a problem with carbohydrate metabolism. To diagnose type 2 diabetes, a blood glucose test is essential.

A fasting blood glucose level below 100 mg/dL is normal. A level between 100–125 mg/dL indicates impaired glucose tolerance. A result above 125 mg/dL is indicative of diabetes.

Treatment and Prevention of Diabetes

What should you do if you’re diagnosed?
The cornerstone of type 2 diabetes treatment is a well-balanced diet and physical activity. Without proper nutrition, maintaining normal blood glucose levels is impossible. In some cases, medication is also necessary.

Proper Diet for Diabetes – What Does It Involve?

You need to follow specific dietary guidelines. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with research on the effectiveness of some supplements recommended for diabetics and commonly used sweeteners.

What should you keep in mind in a diabetic diet?

• Eat regular meals: Plan for 4–5 meals per day, spaced evenly every 3–4 hours. Try to eat your last meal 2–3 hours before bedtime. In some cases, a nighttime snack may be necessary, but it should be planned with a doctor or dietitian.

• If you are overweight or obese, follow a reduced-calorie diet. Weight loss helps normalize blood glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. Weight loss should be gradual to avoid the yo-yo effect.

• Balance your diet so that carbohydrates make up about 50% of your daily energy intake. Choose whole grain products with complex carbohydrates and a low glycemic index. These foods contain fiber, which increases satiety and slows glucose absorption.

• Eat vegetables at least 4 times a day and fruit once daily. Raw vegetables should be a staple on a diabetic’s plate. Fruits are also important due to their fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, due to their sugar content, limit fruit to one serving per day and consume it with a meal rather than as a snack.

• Choose appropriate protein sources, such as low-fat dairy, oily fish, lean poultry, and legumes. Due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, limit red meat and eggs.

• Replace animal fats with plant-based fats. Managing cholesterol is key in a diabetic diet. Increase intake of mono- and polyunsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, canola oil, and flaxseed oil, which enhance insulin sensitivity.

Physical Activity

Increase your physical activity. Beyond supporting weight loss, it brings other measurable health benefits. It boosts insulin sensitivity, improves cardiovascular function, and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

Choose activities suitable for your health status. The recommendation is at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense physical activity per week.

Pharmacological Treatment

If dietary changes and physical activity do not sufficiently improve health, the doctor may prescribe oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin therapy in some cases.

The most commonly used drug is metformin, which reduces glucose absorption, inhibits liver gluconeogenesis, and increases glucose uptake by cells.

This drug works by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme responsible for cellular energy processes. It acts on glucose transporters (GLUT-4), enhancing cellular glucose use.

It also increases fatty acid oxidation and reduces triglyceride synthesis, improving lipid metabolism and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Taking medications does not replace the need for diet and exercise. These two components remain the foundation of treatment.

Diabetes Prevention – Diet, Activity, and Regular Testing

Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Routine blood glucose testing helps detect the disease at an early, asymptomatic stage.

An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment lower the risk of complications and, in many cases, help avoid the need for medication.

If you need support in managing a diabetic diet, check out Peater’s offerings. The app provides meal plans tailored to the needs of people with diabetes and insulin resistance. This type of nutrition can benefit not only those with diabetes.

With Peater, you get a personalized menu with recipes. The app reminds you to eat regularly and suggests ways to prepare meals to lower their glycemic index.