Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose), and it is the most common form of diabetes worldwide. It can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, however Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious long-term complications if it is poorly controlled or untreated.
In this blog we will discuss what Type 2 Diabetes is and the long-term effects it can have on your body, and the role online pharmacies such as ‘Inhousepharmacy.vu’ have in the management of Type 2 diabetes.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes which have similar symptoms, but differ in managing and long-term effects, along with causes and risk factors.
Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin or the body becomes resistant to insulin, and blood sugar levels remain high. Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving glucose from your blood into your cells which is then used for energy. Compared to Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune reaction where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and the body stops producing insulin.
Common causes and risk factors which can increase the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes include:
- Unhealthy diet – diets high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats
- Overweight or obesity – especially abdominal fat
- Sedentary lifestyle with lack of regular activity and exercise
- Family history – having a sibling or parent with Type 2 diabetes increases your risk
- Ethnic background – African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander
- Prediabetes – a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet in diabetic range
- Gestational diabetes – women who develop diabetes during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing Type 2 later in life
- Age – risk increases with age although younger people and even children are now being diagnosed due to rising obesity rates
At present, over 500 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, and 90-95% of these people have Type 2 diabetes. This is rising every year and it is affecting communities on a global scale, and the impact is more than the increase in blood sugar levels. It can affect people emotionally, socially, physically and economically.
Early Signs and Symptoms
If caught early, Type 2 diabetes can be managed or sometimes reversed, with lifestyle changes, medication or both. Which is why recognising early symptoms is so important.
Common early symptoms include:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Constant fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing wounds
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Increased hunger
The medication for Type 2 diabetes can be sourced through trustworthy online pharmacies such as inhousepharmacy.vu.
How is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?
Type 2 diabetes develops slowly, and its symptoms can be mistaken for something else, so early testing is important. Understanding how diabetes is diagnosed can help you take control of your health!
The first step is a discussion with your Doctor or Healthcare professional if you experience those early symptoms, and then a simple blood test can be booked in. There are different blood tests that can be used to diagnose Type 2 diabetes, by measuring your blood sugar (glucose) levels:
- HbA1c test (glycated haemoglobin): measures average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): measures how your body handles glucose after drinking a sugary solution
- Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG): measures blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours
- Random Plasma Glucose Test: used when symptoms are present such as frequent urination and excessive thirst and tiredness
Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is usually confirmed after repeating the same blood test on another day, or using a different test and reviewing the results.
Long Term Effects of Type 2 Diabetes
Living with Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong journey, that can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication or insulin therapy. However, if unmanaged or poorly controlled, then this can lead to a range of long-term complications.
Let’s check out these consequences of Type 2 diabetes, and what’s at stake if ignored:
- Cardiovascular Disease:
One of the most common long-term effects of Type 2 diabetes is cardiovascular disease. Over time this can lead to heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and narrowed arteries.
People with diabetes are 2–4 times more likely to develop heart disease than those without it. - Nerve Damage (Neuropathy):
Excess glucose in the bloodstream damages small vessels that nourish nerves, especially in the legs and feet. This can cause numbness, tingling or burning sensation, sensitivity, pain and weakness in limbs.
If left untreated this can lead to serious infection or even amputation. - Kidney Damage (Nephropathy):
Your kidneys remove waste from your blood acting as filters, and high blood sugar can damage this filtering process, which leads to:- chronic kidney disease
- swelling in ankles and legs
- protein leakage in urine
- in severe cases, kidney failure that requires dialysis or transplant
- Eye Damage (Retinopathy):
Diabetes can also harm the blood vessels in your retina leading to:- vision loss
- blurred vision
- dark spots or floaters
- Skin Conditions:
Diabetes can lower the body’s ability to fight infection, making you prone to:- skin infections
- fungal infections
- gum disease
- poor circulation can turn small cuts into big problems
- Hearing Impairment:
There is research taking place around controlling blood sugar may help protect hearing loss. - Mental Health:
There is also research going on that links type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline and dementia. This can also lead to anxiety and depression.
Type 2 diabetes is much more than ‘just’ blood sugar, its complications can touch nearly every part of the body.
The good news is many of these risks can be reduced or even reversed with regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle changes, and consistent treatment!
Managing and Preventing Long Term Effects
While uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to serious long-term complications, taking the right steps now can help you stay healthier for longer and can sometimes reverse certain risks.
It is up to YOU to take these steps and be in control of your health.
Let’s discuss these important steps…
Key lifestyle changes:
- Healthy balanced diet: focus on high fibre foods to slow sugar absorption & lean proteins & Low GI carbs and healthy fats such as nuts to support heart health
- Regular physical activity: helps your muscles use glucose more effectively and keeps your weight, heart and mood in check
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol
Medication management:
For some people, healthy eating and regular exercise can keep blood sugar under control. However, for others medications can become an essential part of the plan.
Medications can lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications, along with some of them supporting weight management and protecting heart and kidney health.
Types of Diabetes Medications include:
- Metformin
Metformin is usually the first medication prescribed and is generally well-tolerated for Type 2 diabetes. It reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. - Sulphonylureas
Can stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin and can lower blood sugar quickly, such as Glipizide, and Glicazide - SGLT2 Inhibitors
Help your kidneys remove extra sugar through urine, such as Dapagliflozin, and Empagliflozin - DPP-4 Inhibitors
Help increase insulin production after meals and reduce the amount of sugar released by the liver, such as Sitagliptin. - GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
They mimic a natural hormone (GLP-1) that boosts insulin, slows stomach emptying, and reduces appetite. Many people experience weight loss, which can further improve blood sugar control such as Semaglutide - Insulin
For some people with Type 2 diabetes, insulin becomes necessary when other medications aren’t enough. This requires injections and regular blood sugar monitoring.
Regular Monitoring
Regular monitoring is essential as diabetes affects more than blood sugar levels. Over time it can impact heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
Therefore consistent checks and monitoring helps prevent complications and acts as your health’s early warning system.
The key areas to monitor are:
- Blood glucose levels – using a glucometer at home or continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
- Blood pressure – at home and by a Health Professional
- Cholesterol levels – yearly cholesterol test to check ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels
- Eye health – annual dilated eye exam
- Kidney function – simple blood and urine tests can show early signs of kidney stress
- Foot and nerve checks – regular foot exams at home & by a Health Professional
The Role of Online Pharmacies
The Role of Online Pharmacies such as inhousepharmacy.vu is in providing affordable and accessible diabetes supplies such as oral medications and insulin has provided new opportunities for many people, where cost and accessibility remain barriers.
Online Pharmacies such as inhousepharmacy.vu can also help with educational material and blogs, along with affordable diabetes supplies. Widely recognized as one of the world’s original online pharmacies, InhousePharmacy.vu is a reliable source of authentic medicines having been in operation since 1996. All our medicines are sourced from trusted, licensed manufacturers and wholesalers allowing us to inexpensively provide you with authentic brand name and generic non-restricted medications.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is often called a ‘silent condition’ because its effects can quietly build up over time. While blood sugar management is the main focus after diagnosis, it is the long-term complications that make consistent care so important.
Many of these risks can be reduced or even reversed with healthy lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and consistent treatment.
For more information on Type 2 diabetes and the type of medication taken to control this condition look at the ‘Diabetes’ section on inhousepharmacy.vu.
