Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Type 2 diabetes is a common, chronic condition affecting how your body uses glucose (sugar) for energy. When left unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications. This guide explains what causes Type 2 diabetes, how to spot symptoms early, and the many ways it can be treated.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check. Over time, high blood sugar can damage organs and tissues. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications.

Common Causes

Several factors increase your risk:

1. Genetics – A family history of diabetes raises your risk.

2. Weight – Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor.

3. Lifestyle – Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking all contribute.

(Source: NEJM, ADA)

Recognizing Symptoms

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes often appear slowly and may go unnoticed at first. Common signs include:

• Frequent urination

• Increased thirst

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Slow-healing wounds

• Tingling in hands or feet

(Source: CDC, Mayo Clinic)

How It's Diagnosed

Your doctor may use several tests:

• A1C test – Measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months

• Fasting blood glucose – Measures current blood sugar after fasting

• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) – Measures response to sugar intake

• Review of personal and family health history

Treatment Options

Managing Type 2 diabetes often involves a combination of strategies:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Nutrition – Eat a diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, lean protein, and low-glycemic carbs

• Exercise – Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week

• Weight Management – Even modest weight loss can improve blood sugar

• Sleep and Stress – Prioritize good sleep and stress-reduction techniques

2. Medications

• Oral Medications – Like metformin, DPP-4 inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors

• Injectables – GLP-1 receptor agonists or insulin if needed

(Consult your doctor for a personalized plan.)

3. Functional Medicine Approaches

• Root Cause Analysis – Focuses on identifying and correcting underlying imbalances

• Personalized Nutrition – Tailored diet based on labs, lifestyle, and symptoms

• Targeted Supplementation – Vitamins or herbs that support metabolic health (e.g., berberine, cinnamon)

• Mind-Body Tools – Meditation, yoga, and breathwork to reduce cortisol

Takeaway: Prevention and Early Action Matter

You can live well with Type 2 diabetes. Recognizing early signs, making consistent lifestyle changes, and working with a healthcare provider or health coach can make all the difference. Functional medicine provides a whole-person approach that supports long-term health and wellness.

References

1. McCarthy MI. "Genetics of Diabetes Mellitus." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002.

2. Hu FB, et al. "Diet, lifestyle, and risk of type 2 diabetes." N Engl J Med. 2001.

3. CDC. "Type 2 Diabetes Basics." 2024. www.cdc.gov

4. ADA. "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes." 2025. www.diabetes.org

5. Mayo Clinic. "Type 2 Diabetes." 2024. www.mayoclinic.org