Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood sugar levels. There are two types of diabetes, namely diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2.

In type 2 diabetes mellitus or often called high blood sugar, the body does not produce enough insulin or insulin action is disrupted. Even though insulin is needed by the body to control sugar (glucose) levels.

Based on Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) in 2013, there was an increase in the number of people with high blood sugar or type 2 diabetes mellitus, from 1.1% (2007) to 2.1% (2013).

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts an increase in the number of people with high blood sugar or type 2 diabetes mellitus in Indonesia from 8.4 million in 2000 to around 21.3 million in 2030.

High blood sugar or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause various complications. For example macroangiopathy (large blood vessels disorders, such as the heart blood vessels, and brain blood vessels), microangiopathy (small blood vessel disorders), neuropathy (nerve disorders), cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disorders), and erectile dysfunction. In addition, people with diabetes mellitus are also susceptible to infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms that are generally felt by people with high blood sugar or type 2 diabetes mellitus are:

  • Polyphagia (the desire to eat constantly or feel hungry quickly)
  • Polyuria (excessive urine production, i.e. more than 2.5 liters in 24 hours)
  • Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
  • Weight loss for no apparent reason

In addition, there are also some unusual symptoms, among others:

  • Weak
  • Tingling (numbness in the tips of the toes or hands)
  • Itchy skin
  • Blurred vision
  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Vulvar pruritus (itching on the genitals) in women
  • Wounds that are difficult to heal

Reason

Until now, the cause of high blood sugar or type 2 diabetes mellitus cannot be ascertained. However, several things are suspected as risk factors for this disease, namely:

  • obesity (overweight)
  • Genetic factors or family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Hypertension (blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg or currently on hypertension therapy)
  • History of giving birth to a baby with a birth weight of 4000 grams or having been diagnosed with gestational diabetes
  • Women with a history of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
  • History of GDPT (Abrupted Fasting Blood Glucose) or TGT (Impacted Glucose Tolerance)
  • Less physical activity

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of high blood sugar or type 2 diabetes mellitus can be determined through medical interviews and physical examinations. In a medical interview, the doctor will ask about the symptoms/complaints that you feel.

Meanwhile, through a physical examination, the doctor will check the following:

  • Assessment of body weight and body mass index
  • Eye examination to ensure a decrease in visual acuity
  • Test skin sensibility/sensory with microfilaments

In addition, the following supporting examinations can also be carried out:

  • Fasting blood sugar
  • Blood sugar 2 hours after eating
  • Complete urine test

A person can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus if the following are found from the results of the examination:

  • There are classic symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus such as polyuria (excessive urine production), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (continuous desire to eat or feel hungry quickly).
  • Current plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L). Plasma glucose is the result of an examination without fasting beforehand.
  • Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl. That is, you will be asked to fast for at least 8 hours before carrying out the examination.
  • The 2-hour plasma glucose level on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L).

Treatment

Treatment for high blood sugar or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is focused on lifestyle changes. It also requires the use of drugs such as oral hypoglycemic drugs (OHO) or insulin injections. To ensure proper treatment, of course, it is necessary to consult with a doctor first.

Simultaneously with the start of type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment, counseling, and education were also given to people with diabetes. Counseling and education include an understanding of:

  • The fact that even though type 2 diabetes mellitus cannot be cured, sufferers can still control it.
  • Healthy lifestyle. For example: exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking.
  • It is necessary to carry out routine checks to the doctor to find out the response to treatment and early detection if complications occur.

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