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Published on: Aug 03, 2024
3 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, And Diagnosis

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Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is typically diagnosed in childhood and involves the body’s inability to produce insulin, type 2 diabetes is often related to lifestyle factors and usually develops in adults. However, it's increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals as well. Understanding type 2 diabetes is crucial for managing and preventing this prevalent disease.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When insulin doesn't work correctly or isn't produced in sufficient quantities, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the condition:

1. Genetics: A family history of diabetes can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Specific genes can make you more susceptible to the disease.

2. Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, is a major risk factor. Fat tissue can cause the body to become more resistant to insulin.

3. Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise contributes to obesity and makes it harder for the body to use insulin effectively.

4. Unhealthy Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats can contribute to insulin resistance and obesity.

5. Age: The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, particularly after age 45. However, it's becoming more common in children, adolescents, and younger adults.

6. Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

7. High Blood Pressure and Abnormal Cholesterol Levels: Both conditions are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop slowly. In fact, you can have type 2 diabetes for years and not know it. Common symptoms include:

1. Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: Excess sugar in your bloodstream causes fluid to be pulled from tissues, leading to increased thirst. As a result, you may drink and urinate more than usual.

2. Increased Hunger: Without enough insulin to move sugar into your cells, your muscles and organs become depleted of energy, leading to increased hunger.

3. Weight Loss: Despite eating more, you may lose weight because your body is unable to use glucose properly.

4. Fatigue: When your cells are deprived of sugar, you may become tired and irritable.

5. Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of your eyes, affecting your ability to focus.

6. Slow-Healing Sores or Frequent Infections: Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and fight infections.

7. Darkened Skin: Some people with type 2 diabetes develop areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, may be a sign of insulin resistance.

Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes

Early detection of type 2 diabetes is essential for managing the condition and preventing complications. Here are the common methods used to diagnose type 2 diabetes:

1. A1C Test: This blood test measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

2. Fasting Blood Sugar Test: After an overnight fast, a blood sample is taken. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: After fasting overnight, you drink a sugary liquid at the doctor's office. Blood sugar levels are tested periodically for the next two hours. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

4. Random Blood Sugar Test: Regardless of when you last ate, a random blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes, especially if you have symptoms of diabetes.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Healthy Eating: Focus on a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary foods and beverages.

2. Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, each week. Strength training exercises are also beneficial.

3. Weight Management: Losing excess weight can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.

4. Blood Sugar Monitoring: Regularly check your blood sugar levels as advised by your doctor. This can help you understand how different foods, activities, and medications affect your blood sugar.

5. Medication: If lifestyle changes aren't enough to control your blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe medications that help the body use insulin more effectively or produce more insulin.

6. Regular Check-ups: Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Prevention is key to reducing the burden of type 2 diabetes. Even if you have risk factors, you can take steps to prevent or delay the onset of the disease:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

2. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

3. Eat Healthy Foods: Choose whole, unprocessed foods and limit sugary and high-fat foods.

4. Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of diabetes and its complications.

5. Limit Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

6. Get Regular Check-ups: If you have risk factors for diabetes, such as a family history or obesity, get regular check-ups to monitor your blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

Understanding type 2 diabetes is the first step toward managing and preventing this common condition. By knowing the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and getting timely diagnosis and treatment, you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Remember, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing type 2 diabetes, and small steps can make a big difference in your overall health.

Consult Endocrinologists

Read FAQs

A. The main causes of type 2 diabetes include genetics, obesity, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and age. Additional risk factors include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and certain ethnic backgrounds.

A. Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst and frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, frequent infections, and unexplained weight loss.

A. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed using tests such as the A1C test, fasting blood sugar test, oral glucose tolerance test, and random blood sugar test. These tests measure blood sugar levels to determine if they are within the diabetic range.

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Nutritional Deficiencies in Indian Kids: Recognizing, Preventing & Overcoming “Hidden Hunger”

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy — tall, strong, smart, and full of energy. But in India, many kids suffer from what is known as “hidden hunger.” It means that even though they are eating, their diet lacks essential nutrients. These nutritional deficiencies can affect growth, learning, immunity, and long-term health. In this blog, we’ll explore the major nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids, what causes them, how to detect them, and what parents can do. Let’s dive into nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids.

What Are the Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies?

Based on recent research and national surveys, the following are among the most widespread deficiencies in Indian children:

Iron Deficiency / Anaemia
A large percentage of Indian kids (especially under-5s) have low hemoglobin and low iron stores. Anaemia can cause tiredness, slow cognitive development, and lowered immunity. Lippincott Journals+2PMC+2
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immunity, and healthy cells. Many children under 5 show sub-clinical deficiency; some show clinical signs like night blindness. Lippincott Journals+1
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production, which affects brain development. Lack of iodine can lead to goitre, delayed mental development, and poor school performance. Lippincott Journals+2thyrocare.com+2
Vitamin D Deficiency
Even though India is sunny, many children have low vitamin D — due to indoor living, limited sun exposure, skin coverage, or dietary gaps. This impacts bone health, growth, and risks rickets. PMC+1
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
In poorer or marginalized communities, children may not get enough protein or calories. This leads to underweight, wasting, stunting, and weakened immunity. Lippincott Journals+2HDFC ERGO+2
Other Micronutrients (Vitamin B12, folate, zinc etc.)
Deficiencies in B12 & folate can affect cell division, blood production, nerve function; zinc deficiency weakens immunity & slows growth. PMC+2nanhedil.com+2

Why Do These Deficiencies Happen?

Understanding the causes helps in prevention:

Dietary Factors
Many diets are heavy in cereals or starches but low in diversity. Meals may lack fruits, vegetables, animal-source foods (meat, eggs, fish) or fortified products.
Bioavailability of Nutrients
Even when foods contain nutrients, they may not be absorbed well. For example, plant-based iron is less readily absorbed, phytates in grains and legumes can reduce absorption.
Socioeconomic Constraints
Poverty, food insecurity, access issues, lack of awareness, and sometimes traditional/cultural food beliefs limit access to nutrient-rich foods.
Living Conditions and Health
Frequent infections, parasitic infestations, poor hygiene, etc., can increase nutrient loss or demand. Also sunlight exposure (important for vitamin D) is inadequate in many cases.
Gaps in Implementation of Prevention Programs
Though India has multiple programs (fortification, supplement distribution, ICDS, National Nutrition Mission etc.), challenges remain in reach, compliance, quality, and behavioural change.

Effects of Nutritional Deficiencies

These deficiencies have short-term and long-term effects:

Growth stunting (children don’t reach their full height potential)
Wasting (low weight for height), underweight
Impaired cognitive development & learning difficulties
Weak immune system ? more infections
Delayed motor skills, poor school performance
Bone deformities (rickets, weak bones)
Poor quality of life; in severe cases, increased mortality

How to Detect & Diagnose Early

Taking action early helps avoid permanent harm. Key strategies include:

Regular growth monitoring: Checking weight, height, BMI for age
Look for signs: Pale skin or lips, tiredness, delayed milestones, frequent illness, bone pain or deformities (knees bowing, wrist/ankle enlargement)
Lab tests:
- Haemoglobin & complete blood count
- Serum ferritin for iron stores
- Serum levels for vitamin A (retinol)
- 25-OH vitamin D test
- Serum B12, folate
- Urinary iodine excretion or salt iodine test
- Protein / albumin levels

Using broad vitamin profiles (like those from Thyrocare) can help screen for multiple deficiencies in one go.

Foods, Diet & Prevention: What Parents / Caregivers Can Do

Here are practical steps parents can take:

Diversify diet: Include pulses, legumes, eggs, dairy, meat (if non-vegetarian), fish; plenty of green leafy vegetables & fruits.
Fortified foods: Use iodised salt; choose cereals / milk products fortified with vitamins & iron.
Sunlight exposure: Encourage outdoor activities; even short daily sun exposure (face, arms) helps vitamin D.
Supplementation when needed: Under doctor guidance, provide vitamin A doses, iron/folic acid, vitamin D etc., especially in high-risk children.
Hygiene & health care: Prevent worm infections, diarrhoea etc. which can drain nutrients. Ensure vaccinations.
Education & awareness: Teach families importance of nutrition, balanced meals, what local foods can provide what nutrients.

What Parents Should Ask Healthcare Providers

Ask whether your child needs screening for deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin A, D, B12).
If lab tests are suggested, check whether it’s comprehensive or narrow, cost, and follow-up.
Seek help for dietary planning, perhaps from nutritionists or public health bodies.
Learn about local government/NGO programs—free or subsidized supplementation or fortified food programs.

When to Seek Medical Help

If your child has:

Persistent anaemia symptoms (very pale, lethargic)
Growth issues (falling off growth charts)
Bone deformities or pain
Severe or recurrent infections
Unusual signs like night blindness, goitre

Then get a medical evaluation. Early intervention can make a big difference.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids are common—but many are preventable or treatable. By recognizing risks, ensuring good diet, doing appropriate lab tests, and using supplements or fortified foods when needed, children can grow healthier, smarter, and stronger.

If you’re concerned that your child may have one or more of these deficiencies, talk to a trusted pediatrician or nutritionist, and consider getting a comprehensive vitamin & nutrition profile done (for example through Thyrocare or SecondMedic) to know exactly where improvements are needed. Don’t wait—every child deserves a strong foundation.

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