What is Type 2 Diabetes, the Dangers of Diabetes and its Complications and Prevention

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels increase. Glucose is the main source of energy obtained from food, but in people with diabetes, the body cannot process glucose properly. This happens because of a lack of insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels) or because the body cannot use insulin effectively or both. In 2020, the prevalence of diabetes in Indonesia was 9.19% and is estimated to increase in 2045 to 16.09%. For that, we need to know diabetes, along with how to treat this disease.

There are 4 types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes : Occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin.
2. Type 2 Diabetes : This is the most common type and occurs when the body does not use insulin properly or does not produce enough insulin.
3. Gestational Diabetes : Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery, but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
4. Other types of diabetes: diabetes caused by other diseases and drugs.

Symptoms and Signs

A person who has diabetes if:

1. There are 2 symptoms, namely typical/classic symptoms, namely: frequent hunger (polyphagia), frequent thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria) and weight loss. Atypical symptoms: weakness, tingling, blurred vision, erectile dysfunction in men and itching in the genitals in women, wounds that are difficult to heal.
2. Physical examination: by checking from head to toe, to check if there are any complications that have occurred. In addition, there are typical signs that can be obtained, namely the presence of thick velvet-like patches on the neck, armpits and groin known as acanthosis nigricans.
3. Physical examination, by checking random blood sugar ≥ 200 mg/dL with classic symptoms, fasting blood sugar ≥ 126 mg/dL, blood sugar 2 hours after eating ≥ 200 mg/dL, and HbA1c examination ≥ 6.5%.

Dangers of Diabetes

Diabetes can cause a variety of serious health problems if not managed properly. High blood sugar levels can damage organs and other body systems, including the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. In addition, diabetes increases the risk of infections and complications that can be fatal.

Diabetes Complications

Diabetes will cause acute and chronic complications. Acute complications that occur are a drastic increase in blood sugar or a decrease in blood sugar levels (due to treatment). While chronic complications that can occur include:

1. Heart Disease and Stroke : Diabetes increases the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.
2. Neuropathy (Nerve Damage) : High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels that supply nerves, causing pain, tingling, or numbness, especially in the feet.
3. Nephropathy (Kidney Disease) : Diabetes can damage the kidneys, and in severe cases, require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
4. Diabetic Retinopathy : Damage to the blood vessels in the retina of the eye can cause visual impairment and even blindness.
5. Diabetic foot : Nerve damage and impaired blood flow to the feet can cause wounds that are slow to heal, which can lead to amputation.
6. Disorders of the digestive tract : gastroparesis, bowel disorders
7. Urogenital tract disorders : cystopathy, sexual disorders in men and women
8. Pregnancy Complications : In pregnant women, uncontrolled diabetes can cause complications for the mother and baby, including premature birth, high birth weight, and birth defects.

Diabetes Management

Management of type 2 DM is comprehensive, from non-pharmacological therapy with lifestyle modification, nutritional therapy and physical activity, and pharmacological therapy. Pharmacological therapy is given by adjusting HbA1c levels and existing comorbidities.

Lifestyle modifications that can be done:

1. Healthy Eating Patterns : Eating foods that are low in sugar and fat, and rich in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Physical Activity : Exercising regularly, at least 30 minutes a day, can help control weight and improve insulin sensitivity.
3. Maintain Ideal Body Weight : Being overweight is one of the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes, so maintaining a healthy body weight is an effective way to prevent it.
4. Managing Stress : Stress can increase blood sugar levels, so it is important to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or exercise.
5. Quit Smoking : Smoking increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Screening (early detection) of diabetes can be done by checking blood sugar and HbA1c, especially in individuals with a history of diabetes in the family. If you already have diabetes, seek treatment at a health facility immediately, so that the dangers and complications of diabetes can be overcome.