Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body either cannot use insulin effectively or fails to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. It is the most common form of diabetes and typically develops over time.

In this article, we’ll explore the stages of type 2 diabetes development and how the condition progresses.

When are People Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes?

A person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when their blood sugar levels consistently exceed the normal range, accompanied by symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Normally, blood sugar levels remain below 200 mg/dL. In type 2 diabetes, however, random blood sugar levels can exceed this threshold, leading to the onset of the disease.

Stages of Type 2 Diabetes Development

The development of type 2 diabetes is divided into four stages:

Stage 1: Insulin Resistance

Type 2 diabetes doesn't occur suddenly. It begins with insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin. As a result, blood sugar cannot enter the cells to be used as energy. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels.

Stage 2: Prediabetes

As insulin resistance worsens, the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This leads to higher blood sugar levels. At this stage, some people may begin to notice symptoms such as fatigue and excessive thirst.

Blood sugar levels at this stage are between 140-199 mg/dL, which is elevated but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. With healthy lifestyle changes, blood sugar levels can be normalized. However, if left unmanaged, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes.

Phase 3: Type 2 Diabetes

In this stage, blood sugar levels remain consistently high. A healthy lifestyle alone is no longer sufficient to control blood sugar levels, and medication becomes necessary to help regulate them.

The pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin, and the beta cells may begin to malfunction. Symptoms such as frequent thirst, urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and unanticipated weight loss become more pronounced.

Stage 4: Complications

If blood sugar levels are not controlled, they can lead to damage in various organs and blood vessels. The long-term complications of poorly managed type 2 diabetes include:

• Kidney damage, indicated by high protein levels in the urine, which can lead to kidney failure.
• Damage to heart blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack.
• Impaired heart function due to blood vessel damage.
• Nerve damage, especially in the feet and hands, causing numbness, tingling, and pain.
• Increased risk of stroke due to damage to the brain’s blood vessels.

Once type 2 diabetes has developed, it cannot be cured, but with proper management, it’s possible to prevent complications and maintain quality of life.

If you suspect you have high blood sugar or notice symptoms of diabetes, it's essential to consult with a doctor. You can also access doctor consultations through the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!