Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin resistance plus relative beta-cell decline. The leading metabolic disease worldwide, often reversible or remitting in early stages with weight loss.
What it is
Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is characterised by insulin resistance — tissues stop responding to insulin's instruction to absorb glucose — combined with a progressive decline in pancreatic beta-cell output. Genetic predisposition, central obesity, sedentary behaviour and the modern food environment drive the epidemic. International Diabetes Federation estimates 537 million adults living with diabetes globally in 2024, projected to reach 783 million by 2045. Recent trials show that >10% weight loss within 5 years of diagnosis can induce remission (HbA1c <6.5% off medication) in roughly half of patients.
Key lab markers
- HbA1c — both diagnostic (≥6.5% on confirmation) and the central monitoring marker.
- Fasting glucose — alternative diagnostic anchor (≥126 mg/dL on confirmation).
- LDL cholesterol — central CV-risk monitoring; targets are tighter than in non-diabetics.
- eGFR / urine albumin — annual screening for diabetic nephropathy.
- HDL, triglycerides — typically deranged in the metabolic-syndrome phenotype.
Symptoms
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Recurrent infections
- Numbness in hands/feet (advanced)
Onset is often gradual and asymptomatic — many patients are diagnosed by routine screening before symptoms appear.
When to discuss with a doctor
An HbA1c ≥6.5% requires confirmation and prompt evaluation by a primary-care or endocrinology clinician. Early-stage diabetes is the highest-leverage time for intervention — both for remission and for preventing complications. Mediora.AI plots your trajectory alongside the metabolic-syndrome co-markers; treatment decisions need a clinician who knows your full risk picture.