2. What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is an illness associated with
the pancreas and the individual affected by this
illness cannot regulate their blood sugar via the
secretion of insulin a vital hormone in the regulation
of blood sugar. Type 2 Diabetes is generally
associated with a decreased life expectancy of ten
years. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is dominantly
characterized by high insulin levels and insulin
resistance in relation to insulin deficiency. For
example, the normal range for the insulin levels of a
non diabetic individual are 60 to 100 mg and 140 mg
or less after meals or snacks while the insulin levels
of diabetic individuals differ in range, but are
normally higher than 140 mg.
3. Contributing Factors of Type 2 Diabetes
Mellitus
The development of Type 2 Diabetes is generally
promoted by multiple factors such as an inadequate
diet and lack of physical activity which directly
correlates with obesity which is perceived as the
primary contributor for the majority of patients
diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
Many of the factors that contribute to Type 2 Diabetes
are generally associated with the metabolism of an
individual. There are also numerous genetic elements
that increase an individuals risk of developing Type 2
Diabetes such as Donohue Syndrome a severe and rare
genetic disorder that ravages the affected individual’s
insulin receptors, but other medical conditions (i.e.
Hyperthyroidism) can also promote this illness in
various individuals.
4. Symptoms
Type 2 Diabetes symptoms vary, but the most
corporate include:
Polyuria (frequent urination), Polyphagia
(increased appetite), Polydipsia (increased
thirst), and weight loss.
Many individuals may not be aware of any
symptoms until they are diagnosed by a
healthcare professional.
5. {
The graph above illustrates the quantity of hypoglycemic related deaths
that occur in the United States in relation to age which seems to be
another factor pertaining to the development of Type 2 Diabetes since
aging affects and individual’s metabolism.
Death rates for Hypoglycemic Crises as Underlying
Cause, by Age, United States, 1980-2007
6. Type 2 Diabetes Treatments
The most common Type 2 diabetes treatments include:
An adequate diet and the implementation of exercise into the
individual’s lifestyle. Aerobic exercise along with the
implementation of resistance training generally improve a
patient’s condition. In most diagnosed patients’ weight loss is
a primary concern since the majority of the United States
population is either overweight or obese as a result from an
inadequate diet.
If the patients’ insulin levels are only mildly regulated by the
alterations to their diet and lifestyle then medication such as
Metformin are prescribed to the patient.
Although controversial, common diabetic diets include low
glycemic items that stabilize a patients insulin levels.
Weight management surgery is also another effective method
of diabetes treatment when pertaining to patients suffering
from weight complications
7. How do I prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented by a healthy
lifestyle that includes recurrent physical activity and
an adequate diet that includes 3-6 servings of fruits
and vegetables daily and 6-8 glasses of water daily.
A large quantity of children in the United States are
susceptible to the development of Diabetes since
many children’s diets are composed of enormous
amounts of sugar filled drinks, treats, etc. which
should only be consumed in moderation. If Diabetes
is prominent in your family then it is advisable that
you consult your primary care physician and obtain
information about whether you or any of your
children are at risk of developing Diabetes.
8. Prevention (Continued)
Although many risk factors are associated with
an individual’s lifestyle, there are risk factors
that pertain to illnesses. If this is relevant to an
individual they may want assimilate preventive
methods such as regular consultations with
your physician.
