Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is caused by a number of factors, among them excess weight, loss of sensitivity of cell receptors to insulin, and a gradual decline in activity of insulin producing cells. Insulin is the hormone which 'tells ' the cells to absorb blood sugar and use it. In type 2 diabetes, there is a gradual rise in blood sugar, and the body adapts to this gradual rise, so that it seems as though nothing is wrong. It is an insidious disease which can go undetected for many years, and many patients realise only when they have complications that they are suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are usually hard to pinpoint. The patient may not drink much more than usual, and urine output may seem normal. Excess weight is a good sign that something may be wrong, and since diagnosis is easy, most doctors will check glucose levels in seriously overweight patients routinely. Other type 2 diabetics are diagnosed after their optometrist sees the characteristic signs of blood vessel deterioration which are obvious after a few years, and some will be alerted by reccurrent skin infections or candida.

Type 2 diabetes treatment

Treatment for type 2 diabetes is usually quite effective, and many diabetics, especially those who have the good luck to be diagnosed early, lead full and active lives with minimal complications. It is important to keep blood sugar balanced, as this is the way to avoid complications. Also, type 2 diabetics need to keep cholesterol levels and triglycerides down, since they have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Diabetics who smoke are at high risk of complications in peripheral blood vessels and heart disease.

The best way to reduce blood sugar levels and to reduce risk of heart disease and stroke is to exercise regularly, and one of the best ways is to join a diabetes walking group, many of which exist throughout America. The American Diabetic Association funds and participates in many of these groups. It is also important to become educated in diabetes treatment and to take an active part in treatment. Oral medications used to control type 2 diabetes are developing at a rapid pace, and it is a good idea to stay abreast of new types of treatment. Weight loss is another area where the patient can actively influence treatment, and learning how to eat a balanced and healthy diet is part of the life style changes which will contribute to feeling well with type 2 diabetes.