Type 2 diabetes was formerly called "adult onset diabetes" or non-insulin dependent diabetes. Since some children are now getting type 2 diabetes, the name has been changed. Most of the people with diabetes have type 2.
Type 2 diabetes usually happens after age 40, especially in people who are overweight or inactive. It runs in families and affects women who have had diabetes during pregnancy. It is more common in some races. The highest rates of type 2 diabetes in America are among Native Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and African Americans.
Normally, the food we eat is broken down into sugar or glucose. The blood carries the sugar to the cells for energy. The pancreas gland makes insulin, which helps move the sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. When the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has, sugar builds up in the blood. This build up of sugar and lack of insulin is known as diabetes. Type 2 diabetes usually begins as insulin resistance, meaning the cells do not use the insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses the ability to produce insulin.
Diabetes Type 2 may be present for years before the person knows it. People may have high blood sugar levels when their diabetes is first diagnosed. High blood sugar is called hyperglycemia. Some of the symptoms are:
- increased thirst and hunger
- frequent or increased urination
- fatigue or weakness
- blurry vision and
- unplanned weight loss
Diabetes is a lifelong disease. It must be continually controlled to delay or prevent problems. Some of the problems caused by diabetes are:
- heart and kidney disease
- blindness
- nerve damage leading to amputations
- high blood pressure
- stroke and
- blood flow problems and poor wound healing
It is very important for people with diabetes to work with their healthcare provider to keep their diabetes under control. The long-term effects of uncontrolled diabetes are permanent and may be disabling.
Type 2 is usually first treated with diet, exercise, and weight loss. For some people, weight loss is all that is needed for treatment. If diet and exercise do not work, then oral medication will be used. Occasionally, injections of insulin will be needed.
The provider will recommend a diet. At times, a registered dietician will be asked to help work out a specific meal-planning guide. The major goal of diabetes treatment is to bring the blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This helps the person with diabetes feel better. It also helps prevent or delay the start of diabetes complications.
Blood sugar testing is important to control diabetes. Some people with diabetes have to test their blood twice a day or more, as recommended by their provider. There are many different types of machines that can be used to test blood at home. When ill, the blood sugar needs to be tested more often. Sometimes, it is necessary to check the urine for ketones.
Blood glucose monitoring keeps track of blood sugar results each day. But there is another blood test that should also be used. It is called the glycated hemoglobin test or you may also hear it called A1C or HbA1C. This blood test is drawn in the provider's office. The A1C gives the average blood sugar control for the past 2 to 3 months. It helps you know how well your treatment plan is working. The American Diabetes Association recommends keeping the A1C below 7 percent.
For more information, contact your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association, call the national office at (800) 342-2383, or visit their website at www.diabetes.org.
