What is type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use the hormone insulin, made in the pancreas, to help them process blood glucose into energy.
People develop type 2 diabetes because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly. Eventually, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the body's needs. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Research has demonstrated that people at risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay developing type 2 diabetes by losing a little weight. Weight loss through moderate diet changes and physical activity can delay and prevent type 2 diabetes.
Types of Diabetes
The three main kinds of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body's immune system has attacked and destroyed them. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and taking aspirin daily-for some.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset or noninsulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals. People who are overweight and inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Treatment includes taking diabetes medicines, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and taking aspirin daily-for some.
Gestational Diabetes
Some women develop gestational diabetes late in pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had gestational diabetes is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin.
What are the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Nearly 6 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes and do not know it. Many have no signs or symptoms. Symptoms can also be so mild that you might not even notice them. Some people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes.
Symptoms include
· increased thirst
· increased hunger
· fatigue
· increased urination, especially at night
· weight loss
· blurred vision
· sores that do not heal
Many people do not find out they have the disease until they have diabetes complications, such as blurry vision or heart trouble. If you find out early that you have diabetes, then you can get treatment to prevent damage to your body.
Should I be tested for diabetes?
Anyone 45 years old or older should consider getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and overweight-see the BMI chart -getting tested is strongly recommended. If you are younger than 45, overweight, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should consider getting tested. Ask your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. Your doctor will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes, or diabetes.
What does having pre-diabetes mean?
Pre-diabetes means your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range.. Having pre-diabetes also means you are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, you can reduce the risk of getting diabetes and even return to normal blood glucose levels with modest weight loss through healthy eating and moderate physical activity. If you are told you have pre-diabetes, have your blood glucose checked again in 1 to 2 years.
Besides being older and overweight, what other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?
To find out your risk for type 2 diabetes, check each item that applies to you.
· I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
· My family background is Native, Indian, African Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or Pacific Islander.
· I have had gestational diabetes, or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
· My blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or above, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure.
· My cholesterol levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol-"good" cholesterol-is low, or my triglyceride level is above 2.5 mmol/l
· I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week.
· I have polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS- women only.
· On previous testing, I had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).
· I have other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as a condition called acanthosis nigricans, characterized by a dark, velvety rash around my neck or armpits.
· I have a history of cardiovascular disease.
The more items you checked, the higher your risk.
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