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Nutritional Disorders

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common form of diabetes, linked to lifestyle and diet.

Definition

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and progressive insufficiency of insulin secretion by the pancreas.

How it works

Representing 90-95% of diabetes cases, it is preceded by prediabetes often reversible. Risk factors include abdominal obesity, sedentary lifestyle, ultra-processed diet and family history. Complications include retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular disease.

Role

Major chronic pathology whose cardiovascular and renal complications are the leading cause of morbidity.

Examples

  • Fasting blood glucose >1.26 g/L twice
  • HbA1c >6.5%
  • Intense thirst, frequent urination, fatigue

Recommendations

5-10% weight loss, 150min/week physical activity, low GI diet significantly reduce HbA1c.

Key takeaway

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable and sometimes reversible with lifestyle changes.

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