Type 2 Diabetes: Better Understanding to Take Better Action

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. The pancreas still produces it, but it becomes less effective, leading to a progressive increase in blood glucose.

This form of diabetes often appears in adulthood but is increasingly affecting young adults in Quebec and elsewhere, due to sedentary lifestyles and obesity.

 

Who is affected?

In Quebec and Canada, about 1 in 10 adults lives with diagnosed diabetes.

Common risk factors for type 2 diabetes:

  • Overweight, particularly around the abdomen

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Diet high in sugar and fat

  • Family history of diabetes

  • Age (more common after 40)

  • Certain populations, such as Indigenous or South Asian communities, are at higher risk

 

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes to Watch For

Type 2 diabetes can remain asymptomatic for a long time. However, some signs may raise concern:

  • Persistent fatigue

  • Excessive thirst and frequent urination

  • Blurred vision

  • Recurrent infections (skin, urinary)

  • Slow-healing wounds, especially on the feet

These symptoms are not specific to diabetes but can justify a medical consultation.

 

How is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is mainly based on blood tests prescribed by a physician. The most common are:

  • Fasting blood glucose: measures blood sugar after fasting

  • HbA1c: evaluates average blood glucose over about 2–3 months

  • Glucose tolerance test: measures the body’s reaction after drinking a sugary solution

These tests confirm diabetes even without symptoms. They also track disease progression and guide treatment adjustments.

 

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes management relies on several combined approaches:

Lifestyle

  • Adopting a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in refined sugars

  • Engaging in regular physical activity

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

Medical treatments

  • Oral medications such as metformin

  • Injections of other antidiabetic drugs if needed

  • Insulin in certain cases

Regular medical follow-up

  • Monitoring blood sugar levels

  • Screening for complications (eyes, kidneys, heart, nerves, feet)

Possible Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

Poorly controlled diabetes can, over time, lead to complications such as:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, coronary artery disease)

  • Stroke

  • Progressive kidney damage (nephropathy)

  • Nerve damage (neuropathy), causing pain and loss of sensitivity

  • Diabetic foot: ulcers, infections, sometimes bone involvement

  • Eye damage (diabetic retinopathy)

 

The Role of Radiology in Type 2 Diabetes

While radiology is not used to directly diagnose diabetes, it is essential for assessing complications.

  • X-rays: used to monitor diabetic foot, detect fractures or bone infections

  • Ultrasound: commonly used to examine the liver (fatty liver disease), kidneys, and other abdominal organs

  • MRI: useful for the brain (stroke), heart (effects of heart attack), and bones (osteomyelitis)

  • CT scan: fast and accurate, often used in emergencies to:

    • Diagnose a stroke

    • Assess heart and vessel health

    • Detect abdominal, kidney, or bone complications

Depending on the clinical context, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans help evaluate complications linked to type 2 diabetes.

 

In Summary

Type 2 diabetes is a common and often silent disease. Blood tests establish the diagnosis, while medical imaging sometimes plays a complementary role in monitoring complications. A care plan combining healthy lifestyle habits, appropriate treatments, and regular medical supervision helps reduce long-term risks.

Sources

  • Diabète Québec – Screening and Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes: clear French information on diagnostic criteria (fasting glucose, HbA1c, glucose tolerance test) and screening frequency based on risk factors — diabete.qc.ca.

  • Diabetes Canada – Clinical Practice Guidelines (French resources): comprehensive guide including diagnosis, management, and prevention of complications, with a French version — guidelines.diabetes.ca/ressourcesfrancaises.