Type 2 Diabetes Overview, Prevention, and Management

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering pathophysiology, risk factors, symptoms, complications, dietary strategies, medical therapies, and classifications of diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 Diabetes

A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production by the pancreas, preventing normal maintenance of blood glucose levels.

Insulin

A hormone responsible for moving glucose (sugar) out of the bloodstream and into cells to be utilized for energy.

Hyperglycemia

A state of abnormally elevated blood glucose that occurs when insulin action or production fails, potentially damaging organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves over time.

Glucose vs Insulin Meal Response Curves

A graphical representation showing that a normal response produces a rapid, high insulin spike to quickly lower glucose, whereas Type 2 diabetes exhibits impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and prolonged high glucose levels.

Insulin Resistance

A condition in which target cells in skeletal muscle, fat, and the liver fail to respond effectively to insulin.

Pancreatic Dysfunction (in Type 2 Diabetes)

The progressive inability of the pancreas to secrete sufficient quantities of insulin to overcome peripheral insulin resistance.

Polyuria

Frequent urination, serving as a classic symptom of elevated blood glucose levels in diabetes.

Polydipsia

Excessive or extreme thirst resulting from fluid loss associated with hyperglycemia.

Polyphagia

Increased or persistent hunger resulting from cells being unable to take in adequate glucose for energy.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Nerve damage caused by chronic hyperglycemia, clinically presenting as pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet.

Weight Loss Prevention Target

Losing $5\text{--}7\%$ of baseline body weight, which significantly lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Physical Activity Prevention Guideline

Accumulating at least $150\,\text{minutes}$ of moderate-intensity exercise per week (such as brisk walking or cycling).

Plate Method

A dietary framework allocating $\frac{1}{2}$ of the meal plate to non-starchy vegetables, $\frac{1}{4}$ to lean protein, and $\frac{1}{4}$ to whole grains.

Metformin

The first-line oral pharmaceutical agent prescribed for the clinical management of Type 2 diabetes.

Glycemic Index (GI)

A numerical ranking system on a scale from $0$ to $100$ indicating how rapidly carbohydrate-containing foods increase blood glucose.

Low GI Foods

Foods with a Glycemic Index rating of $\le 55$, which are digested slowly and cause a gradual, steady increase in blood sugar.

High GI Foods

Foods with a Glycemic Index rating of $\ge 70$, which digest rapidly and trigger sharp spikes in blood glucose.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

A support and monitoring technology providing constant, real-time blood glucose data to guide personalized diabetes management.

HbA1c Test

A standard diagnostic and monitoring blood test that reflects average blood glucose control and helps assess the risk for microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

A form of diabetes where the pancreas produces no insulin, necessitating exogenous insulin injections, typically presenting in individuals under the age of $30$.

Gestational Diabetes

A temporary condition occurring during pregnancy marked by elevated maternal blood glucose levels, which increases subsequent risk for Type 2 diabetes.