Diabetes is growing much faster than anticipated in Indonesia. Diabetes Mellitus is usually known as blood sugar disease or diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a condition where insulin is still produced in the body but the amount is very small and not sufficient for what the body needs.
List of contents:
Why Does Someone Suffer Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is also known as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). This condition causes your body to have enough insulin but the body loses its ability to utilize it properly. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus occurs due to disruption in the delivery of sugar to body cells due to insufficient pancreatic production. Another cause is the body’s fat and muscle cells’ retention of insulin.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- The symptoms that usually appear are
- Get tired quickly.
- Often feel thirsty.
- Blurred vision.
- Losing weight.
- Feelings of hunger increase more frequently.
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
- Wounds that heal slowly or often experience infections.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
1. Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a key factor underlying the development of type 2 diabetes. In this condition, the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. As a result, glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of entering the cells, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
2. Genetics
Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Individuals with a family history of diabetes are at a higher risk of inheriting genetic traits that increase susceptibility to the condition. While genetics alone may not cause diabetes, they can influence insulin production and glucose metabolism.
3. Lifestyle Factors
Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity, contribute to the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Consuming excessive amounts of refined sugars, processed foods, and saturated fats can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance. Sedentary behavior further exacerbates these metabolic imbalances, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.
4. Obesity
Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, as excess body fat, particularly around the abdomen, contributes to insulin resistance. Adipose tissue secretes hormones and inflammatory substances that interfere with insulin signaling, impairing glucose uptake by cells. Effective weight management through diet and exercise is crucial in reducing the risk of diabetes.
5. Age and Ethnicity
Advancing age and certain ethnicities are associated with a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes. Older adults are more susceptible to developing insulin resistance and age-related metabolic changes that contribute to diabetes. Additionally, individuals of African, Hispanic, Asian, or Indigenous descent are at increased risk compared to Caucasians.
6. Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes, a temporary form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Women who experience gestational diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing insulin resistance and diabetes in subsequent pregnancies or later stages of life.
To diagnose type 2 Diabetes Mellitus sufferers, urine tests and blood tests can be carried out. “Blood tests can be used to determine blood sugar levels. If the results of the blood sugar level 2 hours after eating are more than 200 mg%, it can be said that the person is suffering from diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the underlying causes are crucial steps in managing and preventing the progression of this chronic condition. By addressing lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, and other risk factors, individuals can take proactive measures to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve their overall health and well-being.
