What You Need to Know about Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin. This leads to reduced sugar absorption and excess sugar circulating in the bloodstream.

Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes in the Middle East and North Africa

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has the second largest number of diabetes cases globally, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 20% of the population between the ages of 20 and 79 have type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Untreated type 2 diabetes can lead to various symptoms, including:

• Frequent urination: Increased need to urinate, especially at night.
• Always feeling hungry: Constant hunger, despite adequate food intake.
• Increased thirst: Excessive thirst due to dehydration caused by frequent urination.
• Tiredness: Fatigue due to insufficient glucose in the bloodstream.
• Slow healing of wounds and cuts: High blood glucose levels impair blood circulation and delay wound healing.
• Blurry vision: Damage to blood vessels in the eyes can cause fluctuating blurry vision.
• Itching and yeast skin infections: Excess blood sugar and urine create an ideal environment for yeast, leading to itchy and infected skin.
• Tingling, numbness, or pain in the feet or hands: High blood glucose affects blood circulation and damages nerves, causing discomfort.
• Dark patches: Velvety or soft dark skin patches in certain areas can indicate type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

Several factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including:

• Smoking
• Age, especially over 40
• Being overweight
• Family history of diabetes
• Lack of physical activity
• Race and ethnicity (Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, and Native Americans)
• Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
• Prediabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Abnormal blood lipid levels
• Mental conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of sleep
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

When left untreated or poorly managed, type 2 diabetes can lead to several complications, including:

• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Kidney disease
• Nerve damage in the limbs
• Eye damage
• Skin conditions
• Dementia

Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

Preventing type 2 diabetes involves:

• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Following a healthy diet

While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be managed with the help of healthcare professionals, enabling individuals to lead a healthy and normal life.