Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes mellitus was also referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult onset diabetes mellitus (AODM). In type 2 diabetes, patients can still produce insulin, but do so relatively inadequately. In many cases this actually means the pancreas produces larger than normal quantities of insulin. A major feature of type 2 diabetes is a lack of sensitivity to insulin by the cells of the body (particularly fat and muscle cells) these larger quantities of insulin are produced as an attempt to get these cells to recognize that insulin is present. In addition to the problems with an increase in insulin resistance, the release of insulin by the pancreas may also be defective, and occur late in response to increased glucose levels. Finally, the liver in these patients continues to produce glucose despite elevated glucose levels.
While it is said that type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs mostly in individuals over 30 years old and the incidence increases with age, we are seeing an alarming number patients with type 2 diabetes who are barely in their teen years. Most of these cases are a direct result of poor eating habits, higher body weight, and lack of exercise. While there is a strong genetic component to developing this form of diabetes, there are other risk factors - the most significant of which is obesity.
There is a direct relationship between the degree of obesity and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and this holds true in children as well as adults.
It is estimated that the chance to develop diabetes doubles for every 20% increase over desirable body weight and for each decade after 40 years of age regardless of weight. The prevalence of diabetes in persons 65 to 74 years of age is nearly 20%. Type 2 diabetes is more common in certain ethnic groups. Compared with a 6% prevalence in Caucasians, the prevalence in African Americans and Asian Americans is estimated to be 10%, in Hispanics 15%, and in certain Native American tribes 20% to 50%
Type 2 diabetes happens when your body either cannot produce enough insulin
or does not use the insulin it makes properly – insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas.
Many of the foods we eat – such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, milk and fruit – are converted into sugar and give us the energy we need to maintain life. Insulin gets the sugar into the cells, but if you have type 2 diabetes, your body can’t do that without help.
How did I get diabetes?
There is no single cause of type 2 diabetes, but some factors put people at a greater risk, including:
- Being age 40 or over
- Being overweight
- Having a family member who has diabetes
- Having had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
Should my family be tested for diabetes?
People should ask their doctor to be tested for diabetes if they:
- Are age 40 or over
- Are overweight
- Have a family history of diabetes
- Have given birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 lbs
- Are of Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian, or African descent
Complications of diabetes
Diabetes is a life-long condition. High blood glucose levels over a long period of time can cause blindness, heart disease, kidney problems, amputations, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction. Good diabetes care and management can prevent or delay the onset of these complications.
When you have your regular check-up, ask your doctor to check for complications.
Make sure that you are referred to the appropriate specialist, if required.
How do I manage my diabetes?
Taking responsibility for managing your diabetes and looking after yourself will help you to delay or even prevent the onset of diabetes-related complications.
To manage your diabetes well, it is very important that you:
- Don’t smoke
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Keep your blood glucose levels (the amount of sugar in your blood) in your target range
- Keep your cholesterol and other blood fats in your target range
- Keep your weight in a healthy range
- Keep your blood pressure close to target level
- Take your medication as prescribed
Living a healthy lifestyle includes:
- Managing your stress effectively
- Following a balanced meal plan
- Being physically active
- Taking care of your feet
- Regular visits to your
– dentist
– eye specialist (every one to two years)
– doctor for diabetes management and testing for complications
|
