Type 2 Diabetes

 Type 2 diabetes is the more common of the forms of diabetes.  In type two diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin which the body produces.  Insulin is needed by the body to break down glucose.  If the glucose is not broken down it can build up in the bloodstream causing problems secondary to the diabetes.

Can I Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
It is important to know the symptoms of type two diabetes.  If you believe that you may be at risk for the disease and you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to recognize them.  The longer a person with type two diabetes goes without treatment, the worse the effects can be on the body. 
There is no way to prevent type two diabetes, however, there is ways to slow the process of developing the disease.  If you are overweight, losing some is the first thing that you can do to prevent type two diabetes from happening so soon.  It is eventually going to develop but by eating right, exercising, and keeping your weight down, you can possibly put it off for a while. 

What are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Over six million people in the United States suffer from diabetes and do not even know it.  Many people’s experience some of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes but do not even realize that it could be diabetes.
Increased thirst and increased hunger are two of the symptoms which are associated with type 2 diabetes.  Most people may not even realize that they could be having symptoms of type 2 diabetes.  They could just ignore the symptoms.
Increased urination, mostly at night, is also a symptom of type 2 diabetes.  This is also a symptom which most people will not associate with the disease.  They may think that they had too much to drink before bed.  Most people’s minds will not go right to type 2 diabetes. 
Fatigue and weight loss are also two symptoms of type 2 diabetes.  Again, most people’s minds will not directly go to type 2 diabetes.  They may think that they are working too hard and not eating enough. 
There are two symptoms of type 2 diabetes which may get a person thinking.  It may not make them automatically think type 2 diabetes but they may go get medical attention and the doctor will catch it.  One of these symptoms is blurry vision.  Increased blood sugar can cause a person’s vision to blur which will send them to an eye doctor.  An optometrist or an ophthalmologist will be able to see the signs and help to catch the disease.  Another symptom which may send the patient to their doctor’s office are sores that do not heal.  Type 2 diabetes makes it difficult for wounds, especially on the feet to heal.  If a person’s wounds do not heal on their own, this may force a person to see a doctor.  The doctor will be able to recognize the symptoms and begin treatment.
Because the signs of type 2 diabetes are so random, it is difficult to decipher whether it is a problem or nothing to worry about.  Knowing if you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes is a good way of recognizing diabetes symptoms.

Who is at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
 Knowing he risk factors of type 2 diabetes is very important.  If a person is at risk and they experience any of the side effects, they will be more likely to go see a doctor.
One major risk factor of type 2 diabetes is having a family history of it.  If a person’s mother, father, brother, or sister have type 2 diabetes, the risk of them developing this disease are great.
Another risk factor of type 2 diabetes is a person’s weight.  If a person is overweight, the chances of them developing type 2 diabetes is greater than it would be if they had not been overweight. 
When a woman has gestational diabetes during any of her pregnancies she is at risk for type 2 diabetes later on in life.  Also, is a woman has a baby who is over nine pounds, her chances of developing type 2 diabetes is higher than if she had a six pound baby. 
When a person has high cholesterol or high blood pressure, their chances of developing type 2 diabetes is higher.

What is the Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes?
There are several oral medications which are effective in treating type 2 diabetes.  They are known as “synthetic insulin”.  These medications are imperative in keeping one’s blood sugar down.
Diet can also help a lot with type 2 diabetes.  Having more than twenty percent of your diet be sugar and starches can be dangerous for a person with type 2 diabetes.  It is important to stick to a strict diet.  Eating a diet rich in carbohydrates is important for a person with type 2 diabetes.  This can help to keep your blood sugar level down.  Another type of food to eat to keep blood sugar levels down are foods rich in protein.  A person’s diet can make a huge difference in their blood sugar level.

Knowing as much as possible about type 2 diabetes can prevent difficulties in the future.