Type 2 Diabetes

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What is it?

Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance is the main reason responsible

Type 2 (DM2), earlier known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. This is the most common form of diabetes, and is strongly associated with genetic tendency and obesity. The body produces normal or even high levels of insulin, but certain factors make its utilization ineffective ("insulin resistance"). Sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy dietary patterns, and the consequent obesity are common causes. It usually starts in adulthood, but is beginning to be seen in obese adolescents also.

What are the causes?

Type 2 diabetes: Increase in blood sugar levels can result in this condition

Type 2 diabetes is a long term condition so identifying the exact cause responsible for this condition cannot be quoted. Insulin resistance is the main cause responsible for type 2 diabetes. When a person's body stops responding to insulin the way it should, the blood sugar levels increase and that develops into type 2 diabetes over a period of time.

What are the symptoms?

Type 2 diabetes: Symptoms include frequent thirst

Increased thirst
Frequency of Urine
Extreme tiredness
Weight loss
Blurred vision
Genital itching or regular episodes UTI
Slow healing of wounds
Excessive hunger

What are the risk factors?

A risk factor refers to anything which can make a person more prone to a particular condition. For type 2 diabetes, a number of factors can increase your risk of developing this condition. The most important risk factors of type 2 diabetes are as follows:

Obesity
High blood pressure
Cholesterol
Family history
History of gestational diabetes

What is the treatment?

Type 2 is initially treated with weight reduction, diet control and regular exercises. When these measures fail to control the blood sugar levels, oral medicines are used. Sulphonylureas are a group of drugs that stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. Metformin reduces insulin resistance, and the production of glucose by the liver. Thiazolidenediones also increase insulin efficiency and sensitivity. Acarbose delays the absorption of glucose by the intestines. When the action of oral drugs is insufficient, insulin injections are added.

What are the prevention?

Type 2 diabetes is quite preventable if you follow a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet and a good workout routine can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Some more tips to prevent type 2 diabetes are:

Manage weight
Check blood sugar levels regularly
Stick to a balanced diet
Quit smoking
Limit alcohol intake
Limit the consumption of processed foods

What are the complications?

A person dealing with type 2 diabetes needs to take important steps to keep blood sugar levels under control. Failure to control blood sugar can result in serious health complications in a person dealing with type 2 diabetes. These complications can be both short term and long term. Short term complications in type 2 diabetes include retinopathy, kidney problems, cataracts and damage to the nerves. Long term complications of type 2 diabetes include increased risk of strokes, heart attacks and peripheral vascular disease.

What is the homecare treatment?

Type II diabetes can be treated with diet and exercise alone, or these with medicines (oral hypoglycaemic agents) and/or insulin. People with type II diabetes may also be overweight. Weight loss and regular exercise may reduce the blood sugar, need for medication and enable your body to use insulin better.

For type II clients with high morning blood sugars, exercising in the evening (after four p.m.) may help; it is thought that the evening activity may stop your liver from producing excess sugar during the night.

By: DoctorNDTV Team