Diabetes Type 2 Knowledge

The Diabetes Type 2 is the very most common form of diabetes, known for over 90% of all diabetes cases.

The number of adults diagnosed with diabetes in the US has risen significantly in the past 30 years, almost quadrupling from 5.5 million cases in 1980 to 21.3 million in 2012.

Diabetes Type 2  used to be known as adult-onset diabetes and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), but the disease can have an occurence at any age and stage of life , now including childhood as well. 

What is type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus mostly develops in adulthood and is likely to occur in over weight people and those who are physically inactive.

Unlike type 1 diabetes which currently cannot be prevented, many of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes can be modified. Therefore for many people it is possible to prevent the condition.

The International Diabetes Foundation highlight four symptoms that signal the need for diabetes testing:

• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Lack of energy
• Excessive thirst

Causes of type 2 diabetes

Insulin resistance is more often the precursor to type 2 diabetes - which is a condition in which more insulin than usual is needed for glucose to enter cells. Insulin resistance in the liver is resulting into more glucose production while resistance in peripheral tissues means glucose uptake is impaired.

Genetics plays an important role in type 2 diabetes i.e relatives of the diseased people are at a higher risk, and the prevention of the condition is higher among Native Americans, Hispanic and Asians .The impairment stimulates the pancreas to make more insulin but eventually the pancreas is unable to make enough to prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high.

Obesity and gaining weight are important factors that lead to resistance of insulin and type 2 diabetes, with genetics, diet, exercise and lifestyle all playing a part. Body fat has hormonal effects on the effect of insulin and glucose metabolism.

Once type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed, health care providers can help patients with a program of education and monitoring, including how to spot the signs of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and other diabetic complications.

As with other forms of diabetes, nutrition and physical activity and exercise are important elements of the lifestyle management of the condition.