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Diabetes mellitus Type 2 is the most common
form of diabetes. It is often associated with obesity, hypertension,
elevated cholesterol (combined hyperlipidemia), and Metabolic syndrome
(also known as Syndrome X, Reavan's syndrome, or CHAOS). It is also
related to acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome and a number of other
endocrinological disorders.
Type 2 diabetes
occurs when your body either does not properly use the insulin that it
makes or does not create insulin at all. Insulin is a hormone produced
by the pancreas. Foods get converted into sugar and give us the energy
we need to maintain life. Insulin transmits the sugar into the cells.
But, if you have type 2 diabetes, your body would be unable to perform
the above task. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of
going into the cells, thus causing cells to starve for energy and may
create complications for your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.
While
there are several factors that can cause type 2 diabetes, genetic
factors, usually polygenic are there in most patients. Apart from that,
environmental factors such as obesity, lack of exercise and a sedentary
lifestyle can also lead to insulin resistance and ultimately to Type 2
diabetes. All these factors make the following more prone to diabetes:
1) People who are overweight
2) People who have a family history of diabetes
3) Pregnant women having gestational diabetes
4) People of or over 40 years of age
Type 2 diabetes, though can occur in all types of people, some races
have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. African Americans,
Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/ Pacific Islanders are
more prone to type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is more complex
than type 1. This diabetes can create severe complications including
renal failure, coronary artery disease, and blindness among others. It
is scary but you can always keep it under control by following different
treatments religiously. Type 2 diabetes is serious, but even with it you
can live a long, healthy, happy life.
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