Glucose comes from the breakdown of food. It is the body's energy source. It can pass from the blood to cells with the help of a hormone called insulin . Without insulin, glucose will build up in the blood and cause hyperglycemia. At the same time, your body's cells are starved for glucose (energy).
A lack of insulin or a resistance to insulin causes diabetes. In type 2 diabetes the body is resistant to high levels of insulin. There is plenty of insulin in the body but the cells are unable to use it.
High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can damage vital organs. This can include the kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
Two conditions contribute to hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes:
Factors that increase your chance for type 2 diabetes include:
A study has reported that having a high intake of certain foods can also put you at risk. This includes food such as red meat, low-fiber bread, eggs, and cheese.
You may not have symptoms for years. Symptoms due to high blood sugar or diabetic complications may include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will also be asked about your family history. A physical exam will be done.
Diagnosis is based on the results of blood tests and other criteria. These guidelines are from the American Diabetes Association (ADA):
mg/dL=milligrams per deciliter of blood; mmol/L=millimole per liter of blood
Treatment aims to:
If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about a reasonable weight goal. You and your doctor can develop a safe diet program for you. Weight loss will help your body respond better to insulin.
Group education may help people recently diagnosed with their goals in weight loss.
Physical activity:
Talk to your doctor about any restrictions. Work with your doctor to make an activity plan. Even a brief counseling session may help to increase your activity levels.
Diabetes is a risk factor for heart disease. Exercising can help to reduce your risk for heart disease.
Medications taken by mouth may be used to lower blood sugar:
Injectable medication such as:
Talk to your doctor about your drug program.
In some cases the body does not make enough insulin. Insulin injections may be needed.
This is needed when blood sugar levels are not kept low enough with lifestyle change and medicine
Checking blood sugar levels during the day can help you stay on track. It will also helps your doctor determine if you treatment is working. Testing is easy with a monitor. Keeping track of blood sugar levels is especially important if you take insulin. Frequency of testing is determined by how well your blood sugar control is doing.
The HbA1c may also be done at your doctor's office. Doctors advise that most keep their HbA1c levels below 7% (ADA recommendation). This level has been shown to lead to fewer diabetic complications.
Regular blood sugar testing may not be needed in patients with type 2 diabetes. It may not be needed for those whose condition is under reasonably good control without insulin. Talk with your doctor before stopping blood sugar monitoring.
One study focused on people with a specific type 2 diabetes. When given vitamin E they showed a decrease in the rates of heart problems.
Lifestyle changes seem to be most effective. To reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes:
RESOURCES:
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
Team Diabetes Canada
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/
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Last reviewed November 2009 by Bridget Sinnott, MD, FACE
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