What is Type 2 Diabetes? What Are Its Symptoms?

Diabetes, also known as "sugar disease" in the public, is one of the most important public health issues today. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 1 in every 11 people worldwide between the ages of 20 and 79 has diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 1 in 10 by 2045. With many undiagnosed cases, diabetes affects the organs and vital functions of patients, reducing their quality of life. While there are some rare types of diabetes, it is typically categorized into two types in the community. Type 1 diabetes, often referred to as Juvenile Type, occurs primarily in children and young people. In Type 1 diabetes, there is a dysfunction in the insulin production by the beta cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the population. In Type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced, but there is a problem with its cellular utilization.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. The hormone insulin, secreted by the pancreas, regulates the metabolism of glucose in the body. A deficiency or complete absence of this hormone leads to diabetes. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the primary energy source for all cells in the human body, and the brain uses only glucose as an energy source. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins consumed through food are broken down into building blocks such as glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids in the intestines, and then enter the circulatory system. In order for glucose to be used as an energy source, it must enter the cells from the bloodstream. This is where the hormone insulin comes into play. The insulin hormone secreted by the pancreas helps glucose enter the cells from the blood. When the secretion of insulin from the pancreas decreases, glucose cannot enter the cells, causing an increase in blood glucose levels, which leads to diabetes. It is a misconception to simplify diabetes as just high blood sugar. The excess glucose circulating in the blood accumulates in capillaries, organs, and nerves, causing various health issues.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Glucose from food, in the absence of sufficient insulin, cannot enter the cells, and blood sugar rises. The condition of elevated blood sugar is called hyperglycemia. To diagnose hyperglycemia, blood sugar should be within the normal range of 80-100 mg/dl after 8 hours of fasting. If high blood sugar is not controlled and remains consistently high, it can cause significant structural damage to internal organs. The symptoms associated with high blood sugar are known as the classical 3Ps of diabetes. These symptoms include:

• Polydipsia (Excessive thirst and desire to drink, marked increase in fluid intake)
• Polyuria (Frequent urination)
• Polyphagia (Excessive hunger, increased appetite)

Other common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include fatigue and weakness, dry mouth, frequent and excessive hunger, intolerance to hunger, the smell of acetone from the mouth, and involuntary weight loss. Blurred vision and visual disturbances may occur due to fluid withdrawal from the eye lens. Neuropathic pain, such as numbness or burning, tingling sensations, especially in the feet, hands, and soles of the feet, may be observed due to nerve damage caused by high blood sugar. Chronic wounds that do not heal due to the effect of high blood sugar on wound healing can also be a symptom of diabetes.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

Research on the causes of diabetes has shown that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of this disease. In Type 2 diabetes, although insulin is produced in the body, there is a problem with the cellular use of insulin. Two major factors play a role in the development of Type 2 diabetes:

1. Insulin production by beta cells is insufficient to meet the body’s needs.
2. In a condition called insulin resistance, a dysfunction in the mechanism of the cells prevents insulin from working at the cellular level, and glucose cannot enter the cells.

Additionally, the following factors may increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes:

• Obesity (overweight)
• A family history of diabetes (in parents)
• Advanced age
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Excessive stress
• A history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to an unusually large baby during pregnancy (in women)

Type 2 Diabetes Diet

The primary goal in diabetes treatment is to control blood sugar levels. Before any treatments, adopting healthy living and eating habits is the most important step in managing blood sugar. Just like for all individuals, it is crucial for people with diabetes to maintain regular and quality nutrition, which forms the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Learning how to eat a sufficient and balanced diet and making lifestyle changes that reflect these learned habits into daily life is necessary. The balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that should be consumed daily must be well-adjusted. Nutrition should consist of 3 main meals and, in some cases, snacks. Main meals should always include a high-calcium food source like yogurt or ayran. These foods help reduce sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Instead of white bread, whole wheat or rye bread should be consumed, and instead of white rice, bulgur or whole-wheat pasta (low glycemic index foods) should be preferred.

Foods to Avoid

• Saturated Fats: Foods with high fat content, such as dairy products, animal proteins (fatty meats, sausages, salami, etc.), should not exceed 7% of the daily calorie intake.
• Trans Fats: Trans fats found in processed foods and margarine should be avoided.
• Cholesterol: Cholesterol, found in high-fat dairy products, animal proteins, eggs, shellfish, and organ meats, should not exceed 300 mg per day.
• Salt: The daily consumption of salt, which plays a role in the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys, should not exceed 1 teaspoon.