Type 2 diabetes symptoms often take several years to develop. Some people don’t notice any symptoms at all. Type 2 diabetes usually starts when you’re an adult, though more and more children and teens are developing it. Because symptoms are hard to spot, it’s important to know the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
How does type 2 diabetes develop in the body?
If you have type 2 diabetes, cells don’t respond normally to insulin; this is called insulin resistance. Your pancreas makes more insulin to try to get cells to respond. Eventually your pancreas can’t keep up, and your blood sugar rises, setting the stage for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
What is the main cause of diabetes?
The exact cause of most types of diabetes is unknown. In all cases, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This is because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of genetic or environmental factors.
What foods cause type 2 diabetes?
These four food types increase your risk of type 2 diabetes:
Heavily processed carbohydrates. Drinks sweetened with sugar. Saturated and trans fats. Red meats and processed meats.
Can diabetes type 2 be cured?
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes. But it may be possible to reverse the condition to a point where you do not need medication to manage it and your body does not suffer ill effects from having blood sugar levels that are too high.
Can stress cause diabetes?
Stress alone doesn’t cause diabetes. But there is some evidence that there may be a link between stress and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Our researchers think that high levels of stress hormones might stop insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from working properly and reduce the amount of insulin they make.
Is type 2 diabetes preventable?
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented? Yes! You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with proven, achievable lifestyle changes—such as losing a small amount of weight and getting more physically active—even if you’re at high risk.
When does type 2 diabetes usually start?
You can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. However, type 2 diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are age 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes, or are overweight or have obesity.
How long does type 2 diabetes take to develop?
Without taking action, many people with prediabetes could develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years. With numbers like that, it’s important to learn about prediabetes and take action. Take our online test to find out if you are at risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
How fast can type 2 diabetes come on?
Type 2 diabetes tends to develop more slowly, usually over a period of months or even years. It can also lead on from pre-diabetes. The symptoms can appear very gradually, which can make spotting the signs more difficult. In addition to the symptoms above, symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include dry mouth and leg pain.
What causes untreated type 2 diabetes?
Even a mildly raised glucose level that doesn’t cause any symptoms can have long-term damaging effects.
Heart disease and stroke. Nerve damage. Diabetic retinopathy. Kidney disease. Foot problems. Sexual dysfunction. Miscarriage and stillbirth. Looking after your eyes.