OVERVIEW

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that diabetes is now a global epidemic. The WHO estimates that more than 380 million people are living with diabetes, and the number is rising.

Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia. When you eat or drink, your body breaks down all of the sugar into glucose. Glucose then enters your bloodstream.

Your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps sugar enter your cells so it can be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin or your cells are resistant to insulin. As a result, too much sugar stays in your blood. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of Diabetes Type 2 may include the following:

• Increased thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Increased hunger.
• Unintended weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Blurred vision.
• Slow-healing sores.
• Frequent infections.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck.

CAUSES

Type 2 diabetes is mainly the result of two problems:

• Cells in muscle, fat and the liver become resistant to insulin As a result, the cells don’t take in enough sugar.
• The pancreas can’t make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

Exactly why this happens is not known. Being overweight and inactive are key contributing factors.

TREATMENT

Available treatments we offer:

• Metformin
• Sulfonylureas
• DPP-4 inhibitors
• GLP-1 receptor agonists
• SGLT2 inhibitors