Type 2 Diabetes

Type two diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in America.  Over ninety percent of Americans are found to be type 2 diabetic.  This disease may also be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes.  Unlike those individuals with type 1 diabetes, a type 2 diabetic can produce their own insulin, but their pancreas does not make enough, or their bodies do not use it efficiently. This is the process of insulin resistance.  When there is not enough insulin in the body, glucose cannot be processed throughout the body’s cells. If glucose builds up into the blood stream rather than being distributed, cell can and will not function properly.  This can cause nerve damage over time; it can even damage the kidneys, heart, eyes, or induce heart attack and stroke.  A buildup of blood glucose can also cause dehydration and in severe circumstances can cause an individual to go into a diabetic coma.

Unfortunately, there is a growing trend of children being diagnosed with this disease.  Anyone one can get this disease, but there are certain demographics at higher risk.  Those who are over 45, over weight, have family with this disease, had gestational diabetes, don’t exercise, high blood pressure, or have pre-diabetes.  Although type 2 is more common than type 1 diabetes, is it less understood.  There are so many different things that can cause this, or it may be just genetic.

Symptoms will vary from individual to individual.  These symptoms may include increased thirst and hunger, dry mouth, fatigue, nausea, slow healing sores, blurred vision, numbness in hands and feet, increased urination, and frequent infections.  On rare occasion those with type 2  are diagnosed after falling into a diabetic coma. Usually this disease is diagnosed through blood testing, or through a test called 2-hour glucose tolerance.  Your doctor may also check for keytones (excess glucose) in your urines.  You may also receive a blood test known as hemoglobin A1c which shows average blood sugar for the past two to three months.

This disease may be controlled, but when left out of control, there may be many critical or fatal complications.  Kidney damage is something which will only worsen over time.  If not treated in early stages, this may lead to total kidney failure.  Retinopathy is also a diabetic complication. Those with this disease already have vision issues, but without proper diabetic management, more serious eye related issues may develop.  To control eye diseases, it is also important to control cholesterol and blood pressure as well. Poor blood circulation and nerve damage are common among those with this disease. If blood vessels are damaged, this may lead to high risk heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.  Damage to the nerves, may lead to increased infections and skin ulcers.  When the nerves are damaged or the hardening of the arteries occurs, this leads to decreased sensation and circulation in the feet.  This may even lead to risk of amputation.  Damaged nerves may lead to digestive problem, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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