Type 2 Diabetes: Preventing and Managing the Disease of the Century

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.