Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high level of sugar in the blood caused by a lack of insulin action. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that helps absorb glucose, which is an important source of energy for the body.

Individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus can produce insulin, however their body is unable to respond to insulin and therefore have high blood glucose levels.

Type 2 diabetes is occurring more commonly in children and young adults who are overweight or obese.

What causes Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body develops resistance to the action of insulin. When this happens, the muscle, fat, and liver cells do not respond to insulin normally. Over time, the beta pancreatic cells that produce insulin tire out and are unable to make enough insulin to keep normal blood sugar levels.

What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?

• Excessive thirst

• Excessive urination or bedwetting

• Weight loss or weight gain in the time leading up to the development of type 2 diabetes

• Fatigue

• Yeast infections

• Blurry vision

If untreated, symptoms can worsen and lead to a condition called Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic state (HHS) for which emergent care will be required.

How is Type 2 diabetes treated?

Diabetes is treated by using multiple approaches.

• Well balanced healthy diet

• Increased physical activity

• Decreased screentime

• Sleep hygiene

• Insulin (commonly in the form of multiple daily injections using syringes or pens)

• Oral medications such as metformin

• Injectable medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)

There are several ways of monitoring blood sugar:

• Fingerstick using glucometer

• Continuous glucose monitors such as Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre

A well balanced, healthy diet is essential for the management of type 2 diabetes. Being physically active also helps.

Are you looking for personalized, state-of-the-art diabetes care for your child? Are you looking for a team that genuinely cares for your child and their diabetes? Are you looking for easier communication with your diabetes team? Are you looking to make living with diabetes less burdensome?

Call Dr. Nidhi Gupta at 615-857-5110 to discuss your concerns, at no obligations. Dr. Gupta has been practicing diabetology for over a decade now and takes pride in providing comprehensive, patient-centric care in her private practice, KAP Pediatric Endocrinology, in Franklin, TN.

Dr. Gupta sees patients 0-21 years old, which takes away your concern of transitioning your child’s diabetes care at age 18 years. She will likely continue to see them through college!