### Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes - Increased thirst - Frequent urination - Increased hunger - Unintended weight loss - Fatigue - Blurred vision - Slow-healing sores - Frequent infections ### Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is very common. In the United States, about 37.3 million people, or 11.3% of the population, had diabetes as of 2019. Up to 95% of these cases are type 2 diabetes. Globally, around 422 million people have diabetes. ### Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes - **Type 1 Diabetes:** An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Usually diagnosed in children and young adults. Requires daily insulin injections. - **Type 2 Diabetes:** A metabolic disorder primarily due to insulin resistance. Commonly diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults. Managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin. ### Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes - Age 45 or older - Overweight or obese - Physically inactive - Family history of type 2 diabetes - History of gestational diabetes - Certain ethnicities (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Asian American) ### Managing Type 2 Diabetes - **Diet:** Limit fried foods, high-salt foods, sweets, and sweetened beverages. Favor whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. - **Exercise:** At least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. - **Monitoring:** Regularly check blood glucose levels. - **Medications:** Oral medications like metformin, and sometimes insulin injections. ### Complications of Type 2 Diabetes If not managed well, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and amputations. Proper management is crucial to avoid these complications.