What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic or lifelong condition that is characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels.
When we eat a meal, our bodies break down food into glucose and other nutrients. These nutrients are then absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into our bloodstream.
The carbohydrates in the meal causes blood sugar to rise and stimulates the beta cells of the pancreas to release insulin, a hormone that helps move blood sugar and nutrients from the blood into the cells to produce energy. Insulin acts like a key, opening the door to cells, allowing glucose to enter.
In type 2-diabetes, the pancreas is not producing enough insulin or the cells do not respond to insulin properly. It is often a result of insulin resistance, where insulin becomes less effective.
Without insulin, glucose can’t get the cells and builds up in the bloodstream, resulting in high levels of blood sugar.
The majority of people that develop type 2- diabetes are overweight adults and was known previously as adult-onset diabetes.
Unfortunately, this is no longer true. More and more children and teenagers are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The likely reason is a majority of kids and teens are consuming poor diets and are overweight.
There is a genetic risk with type 2 diabetes and certain ethnic populations are more likely to develop the disease; including people of African American, Native American, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/Pacific Island descent.
Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes symptoms of type 2-diabetes take a long time to develop or may go unnoticed. Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all.
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
Type 2-diabetes can lead to other problems such as heart disease, stroke, nerve and kidney damage, and eye problems. It is important to keep blood glucose in control, along with controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure.
How to delay or prevent these problems:
~Watch your diet
~ Exercise
~ Maintain a healthy weight
Management
You play a big role on how you manage your diabetes. You have the tools, so remember to use them.
It is important to learn what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat. Include exercise in your daily regimen, get regular physical exams, check your blood sugar regularly and take any medications as prescribed.
Remember keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check!
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