Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Type 2 diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with diabetes worldwide jumped from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. Saudi Arabia is among the countries with high prevalence rates, making awareness of this disease an urgent necessity.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body cannot use the hormone insulin effectively (insulin resistance) or when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. When this system is disrupted, blood sugar rises, leading over time to serious complications.

The difference from Type 1: In Type 1, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas entirely. In Type 2, the body still produces insulin but does not use it properly. Type 2 is more common and is often linked to lifestyle factors.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, including:

  • Obesity and overweight: especially fat accumulation in the abdominal area, which is the factor most closely associated with diabetes.
  • Physical inactivity: a sedentary lifestyle increases insulin resistance.
  • Genetic factors: having a family history of the disease increases the likelihood of developing it.
  • Advancing age: risk increases after the age of 45.
  • Gestational diabetes: women who have had gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type 2 later on.
  • Unhealthy diet: excessive consumption of sugars, sweetened beverages, and saturated fats.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may be mild and appear gradually, which means many people do not notice them for years. Common symptoms include:

  • Excessive thirst and frequent urination
  • Extreme hunger despite eating
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent fatigue and tiredness
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow healing of wounds
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  • Frequent infections (especially urinary tract and skin infections)

Prevention Methods

The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or its onset delayed with simple steps:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: losing just 5-7% of your weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
  • Regular physical activity: walking for 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week makes a big difference.
  • Balanced diet: reduce sugars and refined carbohydrates, and increase vegetables, fiber, and healthy protein.
  • Regular check-ups: especially for those over 45 or with risk factors; annual blood sugar tests are recommended.
  • Quit smoking: smokers are 30-40% more likely to develop diabetes.

The Saudi Ministry of Health provides free routine check-ups at primary care centers, and you can benefit from early detection campaigns spread across different regions of the Kingdom.

Treatment and Living with the Disease

If you are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, don’t worry — you can live a normal life by adhering to the treatment plan:

  • Lifestyle changes: a healthy diet and exercise are the foundation of treatment.
  • Oral medications: such as metformin (Glucophage), which helps improve insulin sensitivity.
  • Insulin injections: some patients may eventually need insulin if oral medications are no longer sufficient.
  • Blood sugar monitoring:

Regular examination of blood sugar levels helps in controlling treatment.

  • Periodic follow-up: Visiting the doctor every 3-6 months for examining HbA1c, kidneys, and eyes.

Potential complications if the disease is not controlled include heart and kidney diseases, nerve damage, eye problems that may lead to blindness, and slow wound healing that may lead to amputation. However, with adherence to treatment, these complications can be completely avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is type 2 diabetes a hereditary disease?
A: Yes, genetics play a major role. If one of your parents or siblings has diabetes, you are more likely to develop it. However, a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce this risk.

Q: Can type 2 diabetes be cured?
A: You can reach a state of “remission,” where blood sugar returns to normal levels without medication, through significant weight loss and adopting a healthy lifestyle. However, it requires continued commitment.

Q: Are fruits forbidden for diabetics?
A: No, fruits are allowed in moderation. It is preferable to eat whole fruits rather than juices and focus on low-sugar fruits such as berries and apples.

Q: How do I know I have diabetes without a test?
A: You cannot be certain of having diabetes without a lab test. The symptoms mentioned above may be an indication, but the test is the only way to confirm. You can take an HbA1c or fasting blood sugar test at any lab.

Q: Is daily exercise beneficial for diabetics?
A: Yes, exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar. Fast walking, swimming, and cycling are among the best exercises. It is recommended to practice them for at least 150 minutes per week.

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Sources: World Health Organization (WHO) – Diabetes Fact Sheet, November 2024. Saudi Ministry of Health.