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Type 2 diabetes manifests with various signs, symptoms, and associated conditions. In this lesson, we will explore these aspects. Before delving into the details, let's briefly understand what type 2 diabetes entails. Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterized by impaired glucose regulation, resulting from decreased insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance. This leads to reduced glucose tolerance and elevated glucose levels. Several risk factors contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, including metabolic syndrome, overweight or obesity, genetic predisposition, certain ethnic backgrounds, and certain medications, including some antipsychotics.

The epidemiology of type 2 diabetes reveals its widespread prevalence, affecting a significant portion of the global population. Approximately 89% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes mellitus, while the remaining 10% have type 1 diabetes. In this lesson, we will focus on the causes, signs, symptoms, and associated conditions of type 2 diabetes, which primarily arise from elevated glucose levels affecting various organ systems.

It's important to note that many patients may initially experience no symptoms during the early stages of type 2 diabetes. However, when symptoms are present, they may include the following:

1. Polyuria: Increased urination frequency and volume due to the kidneys' inability to reabsorb excess glucose, leading to glucose excretion into the urine. This can potentially cause dehydration.

2. Polydipsia: Excessive thirst caused by dehydration resulting from increased urine losses due to polyuria.

3. Polyphagia: Increased food consumption due to decreased insulin sensitivity, leading to cells being unable to efficiently utilize glucose for energy production. This can result in heightened hunger.

These three symptoms are often referred to as the "three Ps" of type 2 diabetes: polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia.

Fatigue is another significant symptom commonly associated with type 2 diabetes. Patients may experience feelings of tiredness and low energy, which can be attributed to increased glucose levels and decreased insulin sensitivity.

Weight loss may occur in some individuals with type 2 diabetes. Paradoxically, even if a patient is overweight or obese, they may experience weight loss due to impaired fat formation caused by decreased insulin sensitivity.

Vision changes, such as blurry vision, may be present due to glucose-induced osmosis and swelling of the lens in the eye. Diabetic retinopathy, a condition associated with uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes, can also lead to vision loss.

Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of infections due to impaired immune cell functioning resulting from the disease. Patients may be more susceptible to various infections, including respiratory tract infections and fungal or yeast infections like oral and vaginal candidiasis.

Paresthesias, characterized by numbness and tingling sensations in the extremities, may occur in patients with type 2 diabetes. This is known as diabetic neuropathy and typically starts in the nerves farthest from the core, such as those in the feet.

Delayed wound healing is another notable finding in type 2 diabetes. Poor circulation, a consequence of diabetes progression, can impair wound healing, particularly in areas with limited blood flow, such as the feet. Combined with peripheral neuropathy, this can lead to increased foot injuries and difficulties in wound healing.

Type 2 diabetes, particularly when poorly controlled over long periods, can give rise to several associated conditions, including:

1. Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the eye, resulting in vision loss and an increased risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.

2. Diabetic nephropathy: Kidney disease caused by diabetes, which can lead to kidney damage and chronic kidney disease over time.

3. Other associated conditions: Type 2 diabetes is also linked to a range of medical conditions, including gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), coronary artery disease, acanthosis nigricans (darkened velvety skin), an increased risk of dementia, and hearing impairment.

These are just a few examples of the associated conditions that may arise in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

For a more comprehensive understanding of type 2 diabetes, including its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment, please refer to the full lesson on this topic. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more educational content. Thank you for reading ,and we hope to see you again soon.