Type II Diabetes

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.


Related Articles