A Comprehensive Guide to Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
The unhealthier your lifestyle is—such as eating unhealthy foods, not managing your weight, and avoiding exercise—the greater your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The effects of this disease go beyond simply feeling thirsty and unbearably tired. In severe cases, you may be at risk of blindness, nerve damage, kidney problems, and amputation.
Come learn more about type 2 diabetes and find out how to prevent it so you can protect yourself from this dangerous risk!
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

This disorder occurs when the body stores more sugar than it should. More specifically, blood sugar levels exceed 200 mg/dL in a random blood sugar test.
These high sugar levels are associated with the body's cells being unable to respond properly to the hormone insulin. Put simply, the body develops insulin resistance.
Causes

The body's inability to respond to insulin in type 2 diabetes is caused by fat buildup, especially around the abdomen, as well as high blood glucose levels. This can result from unhealthy habits, such as:
Eating Foods That Are Unhealthy for the Body
These include low-fiber refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, crackers, and pasta. They also include sugary drinks and foods containing saturated fat, such as instant foods.
Lack of Exercise
When you are inactive and rarely exercise, your body stores excess energy from food as fat.[1]
The combination of unhealthy eating habits and a lack of exercise can also lead to obesity. For context, around 85% of people with type 2 diabetes are also obese. This shows how much lifestyle can affect this condition.[2]
What Is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Both are associated with excessively high blood sugar levels. Here are the differences between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes:
1. Causes
While type 2 diabetes can result from neglecting to take care of your health, type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune response that attacks the pancreas and disrupts insulin production.
2. Age of Onset
Both types of diabetes can affect anyone, regardless of age. However, type 2 diabetes is more commonly found in middle-aged adults, particularly those aged 45 and over.[3]
Type 1 diabetes, meanwhile, is more common in children aged 10 to 14.[4] Of all diabetes cases found in children, 98% are type 1 diabetes.[5]
3. Treatment Methods
For people with type 2 diabetes, treatment involves lifestyle changes and medications that improve the cells' sensitivity to insulin. For type 1 diabetes, treatment involves lifelong insulin injections because the condition cannot be cured.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Here are some common symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus:
- Frequent thirst and hunger.
- Frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate.
- Wounds take a long time to heal.
- Blurred vision.
- The body tires easily and feels fatigued.
- Frequent tingling in the hands and feet.
- Darkening of the armpits and neck.
Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Treatment for patients involves medical care and lifestyle changes, such as:
1. Taking Medication
Patients may take medications that improve the body's condition, including:
- Meglitinides: Stimulate insulin production.
- Sulfonylureas: Lower blood sugar.
- DPP-4 inhibitors: Inhibit the enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into sugar.
2. Adjusting Food Choices
The diet will focus on high-fiber, low-fat foods while limiting carbohydrates and sugar. Examples include sardines, salmon, apples, avocados, broccoli, tomatoes, and carrots.
3. Exercise
To prevent fat buildup, regular exercise is essential for people with diabetes, for at least half an hour a day. Examples include brisk walking, aerobics, running, or swimming.
Preventive Measures

As the third-leading cause of death in Indonesia, it is understandable to be concerned about this disease. Here are some steps you can take to prevent it:
1. Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Focus your diet on foods that are low in calories, low in fat, and low in sugar. Also, cut back on red meat and instant foods.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Since obesity increases your risk of developing this disease, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, start an exercise and diet program to lose weight.
3. Don't Smoke
Smoking can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30% to 40%.[6] Find healthier habits to replace smoking, such as exercising.
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that poses a threat to people who lead unhealthy lifestyles. So, start living a more active and healthy life to help prevent this disease.
Shop Healthy and Save at Sido Muncul Store!
Earn reward points with every purchase, collect points, and redeem them for discounts! The more points you earn, the more you save! Visit Sido Muncul Store today!