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All About Type 2 Diabetes

 
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Type 2 diabetes is a condition that alters the way the body breaks down sugar. This is a very important chemical reaction because sugar is the body’s main source of fuel.

Additionally, with type 2 diabetes, the body does not react the way it should with insulin. Under normal conditions, insulin leads the way for sugar to enter and thereby “fuel” each cell. This is not happening in the body when an individual has type 2 diabetes, resulting in complications.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a healthy diet, exercising and weight control. Understandably, some diabetics need a little more – like diabetic medications or insulin to control the glucose levels.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

The first thing you want to know is what to look for or what can make you a candidate for this disease. There are a number of things, beginning with weight. The Mayo Clinic reports that the more fatty tissue you have, the more resistant the cells are to insulin. Then there’s the risk factor of inactivity. Exercise helps control weight and uses up stored sugar. Family history or heredity plays and important factor as well. It is not known why, but even in certain races, diabetes is more prevalent, such as African American, Hispanics, American Indian and Asian-American.

Age plays an important part too. The older you get - more than likely due to older people exercising less – the more likely some are to acquire this condition. Individuals who have prediabetes certainly run the risk of developing type 2. With prediabetes, the blood sugar is higher than normal but not where it could be determined to be type 2 diabetes. Lastly, there is the risk factor that gestational diabetes introduces, namely, the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes later on.

So, if you identify with any of these risk factors or if you are having symptoms like increased thirst to frequent urination, constant hunger, unexpected weight loss, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores or frequent infection, or darkened skin in some areas; think seriously about seeing a physician who can test you for this condition. Left unchecked, type 2 diabetes can be life-threatening. Complications can be anything from heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, eye damage, foot problems, skin and mouth problems to Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatment and Lifestyle Changes

As stated before, type 2 diabetes is manageable and in some cases, totally preventable. What is necessary? Individuals with this disease or anybody that is a strong candidate for type 2 diabetes need to watch their blood sugar levels, eat healthy, get regular exercise, and when necessary, take their medications and/or insulin as dictated by their doctor.

Learn all you can about diabetes – like they say, knowledge is power. The steps mentioned above don’t have to be hard, just make these steps a part of your daily routine. Understandably, this will be hard for those who are sedentary or who have other bad habits to shed. The point is, it can be done. Start slow and get help from your medical team.

If you do become a diabetic, wear a medical bracelet or tag stating so. Always have yearly exams or check ups. This includes eye exams as well. Because high blood sugar can weaken the immune system, keep your immunizations up to date (flu shots, tetanus shots). Take care of your teeth, feet, control blood pressure and cholesterol. If you smoke, quit. If you need help, ask your physician for assistance. When it comes to alcohol, do it in moderation. Finally, manage the stress in your life.

Diabetes, whether type 1 or 2, can be managed. It takes being aware, committed, and educated. And remember, you are not alone. You have the support of family and friends who wish the best for you. Absorb all the moral support they offer. And don’t forget to love yourself enough to make changes that could ultimately save your life.

Resources: Mayo Clinic

I am a writer from Tennessee. As far as I can remember, I have loved writing. I love everything that comes along with it too – reading, imagining, inspiring, and knowing. To coin a phrase, it truly empowers me! Hehehe…pun intended.

Please read my latest article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2290475/birds_of_a_feather.html?cat=7

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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