Type 2 Diabetes

What you Need to Know

What is type 2 diabetes?

This is a disorder that disrupts how the body uses sugar. It is sometimes called “type 2 diabetes mellitus.”

All the cells in the body need sugar to work normally. Sugar gets into the cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made by the pancreas, an organ in the belly. If there is not enough insulin, or if cells in the body don’t respond normally to insulin, sugar builds up in the blood. That is what happens to people with diabetes.

There are 2 different types of diabetes:

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes some insulin, but the cells in the body stop responding normally. Eventually, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep up.

Having excess body weight or obesity increases a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. But people without excess body weight can get diabetes, too.

How common is this condition in our families and communities?

Diabetes is estimated to affect 828 million adults worldwide, with a global age-standardized prevalence of approximately 14 percent among adults. The prevalence of diabetes among adults in the United States is estimated at 14.7 percent (38.1 million adults) based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2017 to 2020.

The prevalence of diabetes is higher in certain populations as examples:

Using data from a national survey for people aged 20 years or older, the prevalence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes in the United States (2018) was 7.5 percent in non-Hispanic White Americans, 9.2 percent in non-Hispanic Asian Americans, 12.5 percent in Hispanic Americans, 11.7 percent in non-Hispanic Black Americans, and 14.7 percent in Native Americans/Alaska Natives.

In an analysis of data from the 2011 to 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the prevalence of self-reported diabetes was higher among Asian persons (9.9 percent) and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander individuals (14.3 percent) than in White individuals (8 percent).

Outside the United States, type 2 diabetes is most prevalent in Polynesia and other Pacific Islands (approximately 25 percent) with similarly high rates in the Middle East and South Asia (Kuwait and Pakistan, in particular). In China, the most populous country in the world, an estimated 13 percent of the adult population has diabetes, with approximately one-half undiagnosed.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. It typically develops over time and is often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, activity level, and weight—but genetics also play a role.

Prevention and Early Identification

Making small lifestyle changes, like eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight—can significantly reduce your risk. Catching diabetes early through regular screenings is also key, as pre-diabetes often has no symptoms.

Treatment for Diabetes

Managing type 2 diabetes often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, blood sugar monitoring, and medication. For some, insulin may eventually be needed. Working closely with your healthcare team can help you create a personalized plan that fits your life.

When Should You Be Tested for Diabetes?

You should be tested if you’re over 45, have a family history of diabetes, or have risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Early testing is also important if you’re experiencing symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst, or unexplained fatigue.

How do I know if I am at risk of having Diabetes?

They are many risk factors associated with the developing of Diabetes. Nearly a third of all adults in America are at risk.

Sociodemographic risk factors

Extensive research has demonstrated that multiple sociodemographic factors are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes, including age, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other social determinants of health.

Clinical risk factors

Clinical conditions including cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and hypertension are associated with increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes. In females, a history of polycystic ovary syndrome or gestational diabetes also increases diabetes risk.

Obesity

Obesity is the most important modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Family history

Compared with individuals without a family history of type 2 diabetes, those with a family history in any first-degree relative have a two- to three-fold increased risk of developing diabetes. Genetic susceptibility is an important contributor to the risk of developing diabetes. Insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes have a substantial genetic component.

Lifestyle factors

Body weight, insulin resistance, and impaired insulin secretion can also be influenced by lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sleep duration.

Dietary patterns

Adherence to a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity

A sedentary lifestyle lowers energy expenditure, promotes weight gain, and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Prevention and early identification and treatment

Identification of individuals at risk for diabetes is important as lifestyle modification (predominantly exercise and weight loss) successfully decreases the development of diabetes.

Medical therapy for diabetes prevention also may be reasonable in selected patients.

Our intention is to promote your health and wellness and control your diabetes and avoid disease progression and subsequent complications.

When should I be tested for Diabetes?

Get started today!

In our clinic, we will help with lifestyle coaches, case managers and in-house diabetes educators to help you prevent diabetes or to start a comprehensive, state of the art and integrated medical therapy program.

We are looking forward to make your health care needs our priorities an assist in the journey!