Type 2 Diabetes: Preventing and Managing the Disease of the Century
422 million diabetics worldwide according to health authorities
Dr. François Leclerc
Endocrinologist
In simple terms
Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle. Simple changes can prevent its onset or significantly improve its control.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all diabetes cases. It is characterized by cellular resistance to insulin and/or insufficient insulin production by the pancreas. According to health authorities, 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, a figure that has quadrupled in 40 years.
Risk factors
Overweight (especially abdominal obesity), physical inactivity, family history, age (> 45 years), gestational diabetes, and certain ethnic origins increase the risk. Prediabetes (fasting blood sugar between 1.10 and 1.25 g/L) is a warning sign not to be ignored.
Long-term complications
Poorly controlled diabetes damages small blood vessels (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) and large blood vessels (heart attack, stroke, arteritis). Diabetic foot is a feared complication that can lead to amputation. Monitoring glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c < 7%) is essential.
Treatment and lifestyle
Metformin is the first-line treatment. GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) and SGLT2 inhibitors show cardiovascular and renal benefits. A balanced diet, physical exercise (150 min/week), and a 5-10% weight loss can normalize blood sugar in some patients.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Risk factor
- Something that makes an illness more likely, such as smoking or family history.
- Insulin
- The hormone that lets sugar move from your blood into your cells for energy.
- Blood sugar
- The amount of sugar circulating in your blood, your body's main fuel.
- Cardiovascular
- Related to the heart and blood vessels.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Type 2 Diabetes: Preventing and Managing the Disease of the Century?
- Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle. Simple changes can prevent its onset or significantly improve its control.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Type 2 Diabetes: Preventing and Managing the Disease of the Century?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Type 2 Diabetes: Preventing and Managing the Disease of the Century?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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