Type 2 Diabetes

Definition of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes means that your body's cells have become resistant to insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and acts as a key. It attaches to insulin receptors on your blood cells and lets your blood cells know it is time to open up and let the glucose in. When the cells become resistant, they stop paying attention to the insulin and they don't let the glucose in. Then the cells become starved for energy and your blood system becomes too full of sugar. You may experience the symptoms discussed below, but in the end only a blood test can provide you with the answer as to whether or not you have Diabetes.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

• Excessive Thirst
• Frequent Urination
• Feeling Irritable
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Tingling, numbness in hands, feet and legs
• Losing Weight Without Trying
• Feeling Unusually Hungry
• Frequent Yeast Infections
• Trouble with infections and bruises taking a long time to heal

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

The cause of Type 2 Diabetes is not completely understood, but there are risk factors that you should be aware of. Knowledge of these risk factors can enable you to prevent or push back the onset of diabetes. Many people are walking around with diabetes and don't even know it. This is troublesome, because serious damage to your organs can occur if you have diabetes for a long time and aren't treated for it.

Risk Factors:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having a sibling or parent with diabetes
• Having African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Latino American ancestry
• Having a history of gestational diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• High Triglyceride Levels (bad cholestorol), Low Levels of HDL (good cholesterol)
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle
• Being over age 65

Visualization of Type 2 Diabetes

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Each individual diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes will have a different treatment plan. One specifically tailored for that individual's needs. Overall, there are four main goals for a diabetic.

• Lowering your blood sugar
• Keeping your blood sugar as close to normal as possible
• Controlling blood pressure and blood cholesterol
• Preventing serious health problems related to diabetes

• Diet - eating vegetables, whole grain foods, and lean protein will help you with your blood sugar levels.
• Exercise - Exercising regularly can also help control your blood sugar levels.
• Medication - if a change in diet doesn't control your blood sugar levels, there is the possibility that medication can help bring your blood sugar levels under control.