The term “age-related diabetes” is not used as often today, but many people still recognize it. It is an older name for what we now call type 2 diabetes.
Why was it called age-related diabetes?
In the past, most people were diagnosed in adulthood, often after the age of 50. That is why the term “age-related diabetes” became common. Today, however, we know that the disease is not limited to older adults – younger adults and even teenagers can also develop type 2 diabetes [1].
What happens in the body with age-related diabetes?
In type 2 diabetes, the body still produces insulin, but the cells do not respond to it properly. This is called insulin resistance. The pancreas then tries to compensate by producing more insulin. Eventually, it cannot keep up, and blood sugar levels rise [2].
Symptoms to watch out for
Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and can be difficult to detect. Common symptoms include [3]:
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Increased thirst and more frequent urination.
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Fatigue and low energy.
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Vision problems, such as blurred sight.
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Wounds that heal slowly.
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Recurring infections, especially in the skin and urinary tract.
Because the symptoms are often mild at first, many people live with the disease for years without knowing it.
Risk factors for age-related diabetes
Several factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
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Overweight, especially abdominal obesity.
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Family history of diabetes.
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High blood pressure or abnormal blood lipids.
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Physical inactivity.
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Older age.
Having multiple risk factors makes it especially important to monitor blood sugar regularly.
Prevention and treatment
The good news is that type 2 diabetes can largely be prevented and treated. Key measures include:
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Healthy diet with less sugar and fewer refined carbohydrates.
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Regular physical activity.
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Weight loss if overweight.
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Quitting smoking.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, medication or insulin may be necessary. Newer drugs, such as GLP-1 analogues, have also shown good results in lowering blood sugar and supporting weight loss [4].
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