LUNG CANCER

mportance of Understanding the Condition

Understanding Type 2 diabetes is crucial for:

• Early Detection and Prevention: Early diagnosis and lifestyle interventions can prevent or delay disease progression.  
• Effective Management: Proper management can minimize complications and improve quality of life.  
• Public Health Impact: Addressing diabetes reduces the burden on healthcare systems and improves population health.

Presentation of Condition

• Pathophysiology:
  • Type 2 diabetes develops when the body's cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.  
  • The pancreas initially compensates by producing more insulin, but eventually, it cannot keep up, leading to hyperglycemia.  
  • Risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history, and age.  
• Signs/Symptoms:
  • Increased thirst (polydipsia)  
  • Frequent urination (polyuria)  
  • Increased hunger (polyphagia)  
  • Fatigue  
  • Blurred vision  
  • Slow-healing sores  
  • Frequent infections  
  • Often, type 2 diabetes has very mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all.  
• Presentation Variations:
  • Culture/Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups (e.g., African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders) have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.  
  • Age: The risk of Type 2 diabetes increases with age.  
  • Cultural dietary practices can also greatly impact the severity, and presentation of this disease.  

Diagnosis of Condition

• Diagnostic Testing:
  • Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test  
  • Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)  
  • A1C test (measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months)  
  • Lipid panel to check for cholesterol abnormalities.  
  • Kidney function tests.
• Clinical Evaluation:
  • Medical history: Family history, lifestyle habits, and symptoms.  
  • Physical examination: Blood pressure measurement, weight assessment, and examination of the feet and eyes.  

Treatment of Condition

• Medications:
  • Metformin (first-line medication)  
  • Sulfonylureas  
  • DPP-4 inhibitors  
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists  
  • SGLT2 inhibitors  
  • Insulin
• Treatments:
  • Regular blood sugar monitoring
  • Regular medical checkups
• Managing Symptoms:
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Regular exercise
  • Healthy diet
• Non-Pharmacological Treatments:
  • Lifestyle modifications: Dietary changes, regular physical activity, and weight management.  
  • Diabetes self-management education.  

Potential Health Risks if Left Untreated

• Physical Risks:
  • Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke)  
  • Neuropathy (nerve damage)  
  • Nephropathy (kidney damage)  
  • Retinopathy (eye damage)  
  • Foot ulcers and amputations  
  • Increased risk of infections.  
• Mental Health Risks:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Diabetes distress

Recent Evidence-Based Advancements in Condition

• SGLT2 Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Protection:
  • SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin) have shown significant cardiovascular benefits in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.  
  • Studies have demonstrated that these medications reduce the risk of heart failure, cardiovascular death, and major adverse cardiovascular events.  
  • The mechanism of this protection is still being researched, but it is thought to be related to the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, and the improvement of kidney function.
  • These medications have been shown to be very effective in patients that have already had a cardiovascular event.