Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

Type 2 diabetes is a health condition related to the body's management of sugar. Sugar is broken down in the stomach and enters the bloodstream. The hormone insulin is produced to store excess sugar for later use.

Type 2 diabetes:

• Usually occurs when the body does not respond properly to insulin, causing high blood sugar levels that can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels.
• Often associated with being overweight or lack of exercise.
• It is a chronic condition that typically worsens over time. In the early stages, it can be managed with diet, exercise, and medications such as metformin.
• Usually develops in middle age, with risk increasing significantly after age 40. However, due to rising obesity rates in children, it is increasingly seen in younger people.
• Early stages may have no symptoms. If undiagnosed for more than 5 years, the risk of complications affecting the eyes, feet, hands, kidneys, and heart increases, which is why screening is very important.

The most common early symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst (frequent thirst)
• Frequent urination
• Feeling hungry even after eating
• Dry mouth
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent infections, such as vaginal yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Cuts or wounds that take longer than usual to heal
• Feeling tired or fatigued
• Headaches
• Vision problems, such as blurred eyesight
• Urine with an unusual sweet smell

If you experience several of these symptoms together, you should consult a doctor to check your blood sugar levels and determine whether you need blood sugar-lowering medication or other treatments.

Type 2 diabetes can affect anyone, but it is most commonly found in people over 40 years old. Other risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes include:

• Ethnic groups such as African-African, South Asian, or African-Caribbean, where diabetes may develop earlier than in other groups.
• Having a first-degree relative, such as a sibling or parent, with diabetes increases the risk by up to six times.
• Having high blood pressure.
• Being overweight or obese, especially with fat accumulation around the waist.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption.

Being aware of and managing these risk factors can effectively reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

All medications may cause side effects. Metformin, a commonly used drug for type 2 diabetes, may cause the following symptoms:

• Gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, abdominal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, belching, or constipation
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Metallic taste in the mouth

If you experience side effects or discomfort, you should consult your primary care doctor. They can advise you on how to manage symptoms or consider alternative treatments if necessary.