Type 2 Diabetes

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a life-long illness that affects both men and women, and is diagnosed by high amounts of sugar in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and results when either the body is not able to produce enough insulin, or because the cells ignore the insulin that is being produced. Diabetes can affect people of all ages and races, but there are several risk factors that can put individuals at higher risk of developing the disease.

Risk Factors

Ethnicity – Diabetes is more common among African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans
Age – The aged population is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than younger
generations
High blood pressure
History of gestational diabetes
High cholesterol levels
Obesity – Excess fat can get in the way of the insulin

Symptoms

Many individuals with type 2 diabetes show no symptoms, but those who do experience symptoms usually experience:

Increased thirst even after drinking liquid
Frequency of urination
Increased appetite, even after eating a meal
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Frequent infections that take a longer period of time to heal
Erectile Dysfunction (Only in men)

Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is an incurable disease, but there are many ways that it can be managed in order to prevent further complications. The goal for managing the disease is to keep blood glucose levels at a constant level, which can be done a number of different ways.

Diet – Avoiding foods that are high in sugars and carbohydrates can keep blood glucose levels at a constant, and eating smaller portions can prevent significant increases in levels as well.
Blood glucose monitoring – Many type 2 diabetes patients are required to test their blood glucose levels, using a glucometer. It is usually done before and after meals, in order to keep track of which foods trigger sudden increases. It is performed by pricking a finger with a small needle, and placing the blood on a test strip inserted in the glucometer. Results are available within a short period of time, ranging from 5 to 30 seconds depending on the device.
Physical Activity – Regular exercise programs are important for everyone, but especially those diagnosed with diabetes. Exercise helps to regulate blood glucose levels, and can also help to maintain a healthy weight if the diabetes is weight related.
Medications - Diabetes is usually treated by trying to manage it without medication, but medication is still necessary for many patients. Different medications are prescribed based on why the diabetes occurs, ranging from the inability to create insulin to the body cells not being able to absorb it. Medications can be given to trigger the production of insulin in the pancreas, to decrease the amount of sugar made by the liver, or to increase the sensitivity of cells to the insulin.

Conclusion

Although diabetes is a serious disease that can cause severe complications, it can be easy to manage as long as the necessary steps are taken. By eating a healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis, and checking blood glucose levels on a regular basis, type 2 diabetes can be a manageable disease that doesn’t have to interfere with everyday life.

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