What is Type 2 Diabetes?

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Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 85–90% of all cases in Sweden and worldwide. The disease occurs when the body can no longer use insulin effectively – known as insulin resistance – and when the pancreas gradually produces too little insulin. This leads to long-term elevated blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and other complications.

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Insulin Resistance and Reduced Insulin Production

Unlike type 1 diabetes, the body still produces insulin in type 2. The problem is that the body’s cells respond poorly to insulin – they cannot absorb glucose effectively. This is called insulin resistance.

To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin. Over time, the insulin-producing beta cells become “exhausted” and insulin production declines. The combination of insulin resistance and reduced insulin production results in chronically high blood sugar levels (1).

Causes and Risk Factors

Type 2 diabetes develops gradually and is influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. The most common risk factors are:

• Overweight, especially abdominal obesity – belly fat increases insulin resistance.

• Physical inactivity – reduces the muscles’ ability to absorb glucose.

• Unhealthy diet – particularly foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

• Age – risk increases after age 45.

• Family history – more common if close relatives have type 2 diabetes.

• Stress and poor sleep – also linked to insulin resistance (2).

Unlike type 1 diabetes, lifestyle choices can significantly affect the risk of developing type 2.

Who Gets Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called “adult-onset diabetes” because it is most common in older adults. However, in recent decades it has also become increasingly common among younger adults and even children. This trend is linked to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and rising obesity worldwide (3).

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

The disease usually develops slowly. Many people may live with type 2 diabetes for years without knowing it. Typical symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination

• Fatigue and reduced energy

• Slow-healing wounds

• Blurred vision

• Recurring infections

Because the symptoms are often mild, the disease is frequently discovered during routine health checks or after complications have already developed (4).

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

The goal of treatment is to lower blood sugar, reduce the risk of complications, and improve quality of life. Treatment usually includes:

• Lifestyle changes – regular physical activity, healthy diet, and weight loss can sometimes normalize blood sugar.

• Oral medication – such as metformin, which increases insulin sensitivity.

• Injectable medication – GLP-1 receptor agonists or insulin may be needed if tablets are insufficient.

• Regular monitoring – blood sugar checks, blood pressure control, and cholesterol testing are essential to track the disease (5).

Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

If blood sugar remains high over a long period, it can damage blood vessels and nerves. This increases the risk of:

• Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke)

• Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)

• Nerve damage (neuropathy)

• Eye diseases (retinopathy, cataracts)

• Slow wound healing and foot ulcers (6)

This is why early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial.

Type 2 Diabetes and Increased Risk of Falls

Just like in type 1 diabetes, type 2 also raises the risk of falls, especially among older adults:

• Neuropathy – nerve damage in the feet and legs reduces sensation and balance.

• Vision problems – retinopathy and other eye diseases make it harder to detect obstacles.

• Hypoglycemia – certain medications can lower blood sugar too much, causing dizziness, weakness, or even unconsciousness.

• Muscle weakness – may develop as a result of long-term complications.

For older adults, falls are particularly dangerous since they often result in fractures and long recovery times. Preventive measures such as balance training, regular eye and nerve check-ups, and fall alarms can significantly reduce risks (7).

Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling

Sensorem’s personal alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The personal alarm can automatically trigger the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The personal alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.