Type 2 diabetes is rising globally, especially in Asia. Here's what causes it, what to watch for, and how it can be managed through lifestyle and medication.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which over time damages organs and blood vessels.
Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, slow wound healing, and blurred vision.
Risk factors include obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and family history. Increasingly, younger individuals in their 30s and 40s are being diagnosed.
Diagnosis is based on fasting glucose tests or HbA1c levels. Treatment includes a combination of dietary changes, exercise, and glucose-lowering medication like metformin.
Patients must also monitor for complications, including neuropathy, vision problems, and cardiovascular issues.