Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body requires more insulin to get glucose out of the circulation. When this system is not working efficiently, glucose levels in the blood remain elevated due to the inability of the cells to take in glucose properly. This condition also causes the liver to become insulin resistant, leading to excessive glucose being pumped into the bloodstream. Contributing factors to type 2 diabetes include energy imbalance, inactivity, sleep deprivation, and hypercortisolemia. Regular exercise is crucial for preventing insulin resistance associated with type 2 diabetes 1.

Medications like metformin and berberine (a natural alternative) are used to manage type 2 diabetes; metformin works by lowering hepatic glucose production, while berberine shares similar properties, including reducing mTOR and blood glucose levels. Some drugs increase insulin sensitivity or tell the body to produce more insulin, tackling different aspects of the metabolic chain involved in diabetes 2 3.

The rise of diabetes also increases complications like diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of vision loss due to damage inside the retina of the eye. Early screening is recommended for those with diabetes to detect and manage retinopathy effectively 4.

For those with type 2 diabetes, understanding studies that evaluate drug effects, like metformin, is important. Kaplan Meyer curves often used in such studies depict mortality, showing how survival rates change over time 5 6.

Chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes are linked to mitochondrial dysfunction within cells, contributing significantly to healthcare expenses due to the lack of medicines that address mitochondrial health 7. Addressing type 2 diabetes and its complications requires comprehensive management including lifestyle modifications, medication, and monitoring of related health issues.