type ii diabetes
Type ii diabetes mellitus was also referred to as non-insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult onset diabetes
mellitus (AODM). In type ii 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 ii 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 cant do
that without help.
How did I get type ii 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
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.
Live a healthy lifestyle by:
- 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
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