Type 2
diabetes is the most common form of diabetes with nearly 95%
of diabetic cases being diagnosed as such.At least 20 million adults have type 2 diabetes with
millions more unknowingly harboring prediabetic symptoms.
The muscle,
liver, and fat cells in a type 2 diabetic's body are unable
to use insulin produced by the pancreas properly.This is called insulin resistance.The hormone insulin helps cells use glucose, derived
from food intake and the liver, for energy.
As the
pancreas becomes unable to supply an adequate amount of
insulin, glucose builds up in the blood stream while the
cells are starved for energy.High amounts ofglucose damage nerves and blood vessels which leads
to serious diabetes complications throughout the body.
Also known
as adult-onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes can occur in
children and teens.In
recent years, type 2 diabetes has been on the rise among the
young as children have succumbed to the obesity and
sedentary lifestyle problems of adults.
Who's
at Risk?
Researchers
believe heredity plays a strong part in type 2 diabetes.People having a parent or sibling with the disease
are 10-15% more susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes.Other factors include:
Ethnicity (persons of African-American,
Asian-American, American Indian, Latino, and Pacific
Islander descent);
Overweight (body mass index of 25 or more);
History of gestational diabetes or having given birth
to a baby over 9 lbs;
High blood pressure or cholesterol;
Sedentary lifestyle;
Over age 65;
Diagnosed as prediabetic (blood glucose level higher
than normal).
What
are the Signs?
Type 2
diabetes progresses gradually; many people are diagnosed
once they experience complications from the disease such as
blurred vision or foot pain.There are several symptoms of type 2 diabetes. While
these signs could also indicate other illnesses, it is
advisable to first get tested for diabetes.
excessive hunger or thirst
frequent urination
slow healing wounds
dry skin
rapid breathing
blurred vision
mood swings, depression
unexplained weight loss
headaches
tingling in extremities
frequent infections (urinary, yeast, skin)
high blood pressure
Three
plasma blood glucose tests are available for diagnosing type
2 diabetes.The
most commonly used test (fasting plasma glucose) requires
the patient to fast for 8 hours after which a blood sample
is taken.In
another test, blood is taken at any time during the day
(random plasma glucose).The oral glucose tolerance test requires a patient to
drink 75 grams of glucose; blood is then drawn in intervals
up to 3 hours afterward.
Health
Risks
Type 2
diabetes can cause serious harm to all parts of the body
including the cardiovascular system.Heart disease is one of the leading complications of
type 2 diabetes.Other
diabetes-related health problems include:
nerve damage;
vision problems (glaucoma, cataracts, blindness);
kidney disease;
sexual dysfunction;
dry, cracked skin (susceptible to infection);
gum disease.
Treatment
Options
A healthy
diet and regular exercise will help prevent or delay the
onset of type 2 diabetes.It is also important to maintain normal blood
pressure and cholesterol levels, and, to avoid excessive
weight gain.
Once a
person is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, he may need
medications to help control his condition.Oral medications are often prescribed when diet and
exercise alone can't keep blood sugars in check.
Sometimes
a type 2 diabetic will need insulin injections to control
glucose levels.Insulinis injected using a syringe or infused with an
insulin pump.Patients
must regularly check their glucose levels by using a
self-monitoring blood glucose device.
