subject: Type 2 Diabetes Management Guide [print this page] Diabetes is a metabolism disorder where the body does not produce or response to insulin properly. There are two types of diabetes, known as type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes happens when the body does not produce any insulin, therefore unable to control the sugar level in the blood. Type 2 diabetes happens when the insulin in the body is not enough or not responding to the glucose. Known as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes is the more common condition that will be discussed in detail in this article.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a variety of factors, but the most important ones are lifestyle choices and genetics. Other less common causes could be some types of medications that interfere with the insulin system, or some medical conditions. Genetic predisposition to Type 2 Diabetes is plainly understood, as it is without complexities. If one has family history of diabetes, he would have a higher chance to develop the condition. The risk percentage can be calculated, to establish just how much risk there is, by taking the genetic genotypes of the parents.
Lifestyle factors can increase the risk of someone getting diabetes. If you lead a sedentary inactive lifestyle, you stand a high change to become overweight. Scientific findings indicate that an obese person has a 55% chance of getting type 2 diabetes. Such a high percentage can simply not be understated. Taking of saturated fats help contribute to the percentage. Studies have shown that an obese child is more likely to develop diabetes when he grows into a teenager.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are rather direct. The most heavily documented are excessive thirst, excessive hunger and excessive urination, medically termed as polydepsia, polyphagia and polyuria. These are the symptoms that are most indicative of diabetes type 2 and can conclusively suffice to give a diagnosis. However, there are others which are directly linked to diabetes, like fatigue and lethargy, blurred vision, weight loss and slow healing of wounds and sores.
The good news about Type 2 Diabetes is that it can be managed. There is no complete cure for diabetes at this moment of time, however with proper care, the symptoms can be suppressed and one can lead a normal lifestyle. The management is ongoing though, and as long as it is maintained, then diabetes shouldn't be a problem. For those who have had a constant high blood sugar problem, and diabetes has been a rather chronic problem, there are medications to help in the management.
The advice given to Type 2 diabetics is to change their eating habits to be more suited to their conditions. This in a broader sense means understanding the calorific needs of the body. There has to be increased servings of fruits and vegetables, and sometimes carbohydrate, depending on the type of diet you go for and your metabolic needs. Having an exercise routine is also advisable to keep your weight at acceptable range. With these, you can help your body manage the blood sugar levels better, and live without the diabetic Type 2 symptoms at all.
