Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition which is characterised by insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cells fail to function. The stages of Type 2 diabetes can help in managing the disease more effectively and possibly delaying or preventing its progression.
According to the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, in India Diabetes burden is predicted to grow more than 134 million by 2045. “Type 1 diabetes is when your immune system attacks the cells that make insulin. People with Type 1 usually need insulin shots. Type 2 diabetes is more common and is often related to being overweight or not exercising. With Type 2, your body doesn’t use insulin properly. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy and can affect both the mother and baby,” said Dr Urman Dhruv, MD (Internal Medicine), Sr. Consultant Physician ,HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad. Here are the main stages associated with Type 2 diabetes:
1. Insulin Resistance
This is the early stage of Type 2 diabetes, when cells in the muscles, fat, and liver begin to resist or disregard insulin's signal to collect glucose from the bloodstream for energy. As a result, the pancreas adjusts by making more insulin, allowing glucose to enter the cells. This stage can go undiscovered since blood glucose levels stay normal and no noticeable symptoms are present.
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2. Prediabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as insulin resistance worsens, the beta cells in the pancreas cannot keep up with the body’s increased demand for insulin. This results in elevated blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.
This stage is often identified through tests like fasting blood sugar, an oral glucose tolerance test, or an A1C test, which measures average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. People with prediabetes are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
3. Type 2 Diabetes
This stage is diagnosed when blood glucose levels are consistently higher than the threshold set for diabetes diagnosis. At this point, lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and medications are often required to manage blood glucose levels. Monitoring blood glucose, maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and possibly medication are essential for managing this stage.
4. Complications Due to High Blood Sugar
Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to various complications due to persistent high blood sugar levels. These complications can affect different parts of the body including the kidneys , nephropathy, eyes (retinopathy), nerves (neuropathy), heart (increased risk of cardiovascular diseases), and can lead to diabetic foot problems due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage.
According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy is caused by high blood sugar due to diabetes. Over time, having too much sugar in your blood can damage your retina, it is the part of your eye that detects light and sends signals to your brain through a nerve in the back of your eye.
5. Advanced Complications
If diabetes continues to be poorly managed, more severe complications can arise, such as end-stage renal disease, advanced diabetic retinopathy, severe cardiovascular diseases, and increased risk of infections. At this stage, more intensive medical treatment and monitoring are necessary.
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Prevention Techniques
The disease progresses, insulin resistance to Type 2 diabetes and further complications is not inevitable. Early detection through regular check-ups, combined with proactive management including lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and achieving a healthy weight, can significantly alter the course of the disease. In some cases, these changes can return blood glucose levels to the normal range, effectively putting diabetes into remission.
Moreover, for those who have progressed to later stages of Type 2 diabetes, ongoing education on diabetes management, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, and adherence to prescribed medications are critical in managing the disease and reducing the risk of complications.
Knowing the stages of Type 2 diabetes is crucial for effective prevention and management. Regular consultation with healthcare providers, adherence to treatment plans, and lifestyle changes play pivotal roles in managing Type 2 diabetes effectively.