Type 2 diabetes

Definition

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes glucose, primarily due to insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. This condition arises when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or when cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and genetic factors, making lifestyle changes crucial for management.
2. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition, type 2 diabetes is primarily related to insulin resistance and can sometimes be managed through diet and exercise alone.
3. Individuals with type 2 diabetes may experience symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision as a result of elevated blood glucose levels.
4. Long-term complications of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and vision problems.
5. Management of type 2 diabetes typically involves lifestyle modifications, monitoring blood sugar levels, and may include medications like metformin to improve insulin sensitivity.

Review Questions

• How does insulin resistance contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes?
  • Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, which means that glucose cannot efficiently enter cells. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate for this reduced effectiveness. Over time, this increased demand can lead to pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and a relative deficiency of insulin production, causing blood glucose levels to rise and resulting in type 2 diabetes.
• Discuss the role of lifestyle modifications in managing type 2 diabetes and their impact on pancreatic function.
  • Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity are critical for managing type 2 diabetes. These changes can help reduce insulin resistance and improve overall glucose metabolism. As individuals lose weight and become more active, they often experience enhanced pancreatic function, leading to better insulin sensitivity and potentially lowering their need for medication over time.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes on overall health and how early intervention can alter disease progression.
  • Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can lead to serious long-term health complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, neuropathy, and retinopathy. These conditions not only diminish quality of life but also increase healthcare costs significantly. Early intervention through lifestyle changes and proper management strategies can slow down or even prevent these complications, emphasizing the importance of proactive healthcare approaches in individuals at risk for developing diabetes.

Related terms

insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

glucose: A simple sugar that serves as a primary energy source for the body's cells and is regulated by insulin.

metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms, including the conversion of food into energy, which is affected in individuals with type 2 diabetes.