Type 2 Diabetes Information

Type 2 Diabetes Information
Many people with type 2 diabetes don't show any symptoms of having the disease. In fact, more than 6 million people have type 2 diabetes and don't know it, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
However, some individuals do experience what are sometimes called "classic" diabetes symptoms, including:
increased thirst
increased hunger
weight loss
blurred vision
fatigue
frequent urination, particularly at night
frequent infections and/or slow-healing cuts or sores
If you experience these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor and ask about getting tested for diabetes.



The Cause of Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a progressive disease and is diagnosed when an individual's glucose level (sometimes called blood sugar) is above normal.
Glucose -- from digested food -- is the main source of energy for the body's cells. When glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin to help cells use glucose for energy.
In people with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal. This causes several problems:
Glucose continues to flow through the bloodstream but cannot be used by the cells.
Over time, glucose levels increase while the cells don't get the energy they need.
Left untreated, this can lead to complications such as neuropathy, heart disease, eye damage, and kidney disease.



What's Happening Inside
1. After you eat, food is broken down into molecules the body can use for energy and repair. The carbohydrate in foods is broken down into glucose.
2. Glucose (shown here as purple hexagons) enters the bloodstream.
3. Beta cells of the pancreas are no longer able to make enough insulin (shown here as yellow dots) to control blood glucose. Plus, the body's cells are no longer able to use this insulin as effectively as normal. This is a progressive condition that starts even before pre-diabetes.
4. Without enough insulin, glucose is not able to enter the cells for energy.Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
There are several risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including:
Weight: People who are overweight -- particularly those who tend to carry extra weight around their middle -- have an increased risk.
Family History: Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes increases the chances of developing the disease.
Race: For reasons that aren't understood, African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, and Native Americans have a higher risk.
Age: People older than 45 tend to have a higher risk of developing type 2diabetes, but younger adults -- including children -- are also developing the disease.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Individuals who are inactive (exercise less than three times per week) have a higher risk.
Gestational Diabetes: Women who had gestational diabetes while pregnant or delivered a baby weighing more than 9 pounds are at an increased risk.
Pre-diabetes: Men and women who have pre-diabetes -- a condition with elevated glucose levels -- are at a higher risk. How Type 2 Diabetes Is Diagnosed
Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed with a simple blood test. There are two types of tests:
Fasting blood-glucose test: Taken after 12 hours of fasting (though water is permitted), diabetes is diagnosed if blood glucose levels are higher than 126 mg/dL for two tests.
Random blood-glucose test: Taken during a doctor's exam (non-fasting), diabetes is suspected if blood glucose levels are higher than 200 mg/dL and includes other symptoms of diabetes (i.e., thirst, blurred vision, weight loss). Type 2 Diabetes Medications
2. Medications: Some people are able to control diabetes through lifestyle modifications alone. Eventually, however, most people with type 2 diabetes will require some form of medication -- including insulin -- to keep their glucose on track.
Common medications include:
Insulin, which helps the cells process glucose
Sulfonylureas, which stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin (ex: Glyanse, Prestabs, Diabeta, Micronase, Glucotorol, Amaryl)
Meglitinides, which stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin but are fast-acting (ex: Prandin, Starlix)
Metformin, which helps stop the liver from generating extra glucose (ex: Glucophage, Fortamet XR, Riomet Liquid)
Alpha Glucosidase Inhibitors, which prevent the digestive system from absorbing glucose (ex: Precose, Glyset)
Exenatide, which increases insulin response (ex: Byetta)
Pramlintide, which helps insulin function more efficiently (ex: Symlin) Eating Well
3. Healthful Meal Plan: Meal planning is necessary to maintain good glucose control. To manage diabetes and prevent complications, a good meal plan should be rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables and low in saturated and trans fat. Speak with a registered dietitian to create an individual meal planMaintaining a Healthy Weight
4. Weight Loss: Some individuals can improve diabetes control by losing weight. In addition, weight loss -- particularly around the midsection -- can improve insulin response. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart disease and neuropathy.Getting Fit
5. Physical Activity: Exercise helps reduce blood glucose levels and prevent insulin resistance. In addition, it helps people maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complicationsPreventing Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease that is diagnosed when the beta cells in the pancreas no longer produce enough insulin to meet the body's demands (a condition known as insulin deficiency). If you are at risk or have been told you have pre-diabetes, there are steps you can take to help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, including:
Reach a healthy weight: Talk with your doctor about a healthy weight for you. Studies have shown that losing 5 -7 percent of your body weight (a 10- to 14-pound weight loss for a 200-pound person) can prevent or delay pre-diabetes from progressing to type 2.
Know your risk for pre-diabetes: Talk with your doctor about how frequently your glucose levels should be evaluated and mention any diabetes symptoms you may be experiencing.
Start exercising: Getting in shape improves insulin efficiency, controls glucose, and helps weight control.
Eat healthfully: To maintain a healthy weight, eat a well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Steer clear of high-fat, high-calorie foods.