Type 2 Diabetes
Which is also known as Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is a chronic disease which occurs when there is too much glucose found in a person’s blood. This happens when a person’s body does not correctly use the insulin that is produced in the pancreas. Insulin, made in the beta cells of the pancreas, is used to transport glucose, a simple sugar, into the cells of the body. This glucose is used by the cells as fuel, and is necessary for normal body functions. If the cells can’t get the glucose that they need, it cannot be used as energy and is left stuck in the blood stream. Since the problem with Type 2 diabetes lies in processing the insulin that is being made, the pancreas cannot determine what is wrong and steps up insulin production to try and make up for it. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, with Type 1 diabetes being present in as few as 3% of all new diabetes diagnoses.
While Type 1 diabetes has a sudden onset, Type 2 diabetes occurs gradually. It is often found to occur in conjunction with obesity. The buildup of glucose in the bloodstream can result in a condition known as hyperglycemia. When people have an insulin resistance, which is the common cause of Type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar levels are commonly found as well. People that are obese have a high risk of insulin resistance due to the fact that high levels of fat can interfere with the body’s insulin usage. Although this condition is commonly found in the overweight, thin people can also develop the disease and be a Type 2 diabetic. Elderly people are also very at risk for developing Type 2. Other key factors that may determine a person’s risk for Type 2 diabetes include the following:
- Being African-American, Hispanic, or Native American
- A history of having gestational diabetes
- An HDL cholesterol level that is above 250mg/dL or one that is lower than 35mg/dL
- Being older than 45 years of age
- Poor diet, and low levels of exercise
- Excessive body fat, especially when found around the waist area
If you think that you may be at risk for Type 2 diabetes, there are many symptoms to check for to see if you should research the disease further. If you find yourself constantly thirsty, needing to urinate too often, and having an increased appetite, it might be a good idea to check with a doctor to see if you may have this disease. Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed through three commonly used methods: the Oral glucose tolerance test, the Random blood glucose level test, and the Fasting blood glucose level test. These tests can determine if your glucose levels are high enough to be associated with a insulin resistance problem that could denote Type 2 diabetes. If diagnosed, there are many treatments and medications available to help alleviate the symptoms and prolong your life.