Definition
Type 2 diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It occurs when the body does not respond correctly to insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
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Definition
Type 2 diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It occurs when the body does not respond correctly to insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
See also:
Keep reading...
Causes
Diabetes is caused by a problem in the way your body makes or uses insulin. Insulin is needed to move glucose (blood sugar) into cells, where it is used for energy.
If glucose does not get into the cells, the body cannot use it for energy. Too much glucose will then remain in the blood, causing the symptoms of diabetes.
There are several types of diabetes. This article focuses on type 2, which is usually accompanied by obesity and insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance means that insulin produced by your pancreas cannot get inside fat and muscle cells to produce energy. Since the cells are not getting the insulin they need, the pancreas produces more and more. ...
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Treatment
The first goals are to eliminate the symptoms and stabilize your blood glucose levels. The ongoing goals are to prevent long-term complications and prolong your life. The primary treatment for type 2 diabetes is exercise and diet.
LEARN THESE SKILLS
You should learn basic diabetes management skills. They will help prevent complications and the need for medical care. These skills include:
- How to test and record your blood glucose (see blood glucose monitoring )
- What to eat and when
- How to take medications, if indicated
- How to recognize and treat low and high blood sugar
- How to handle sick days
- Where to buy diabetes supplies and how to store them
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Other Names
Noninsulin-dependent diabetes; Diabetes - type 2
Outlook (Prognosis)
The risk of long-term complications from diabetes can be reduced. If you control your blood glucose and blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of death, stroke, heart failure, and other complications. Reduction of HbA1c by even 1% can decrease your risk for complications by 25%.
Prevention
Everyone over 45 should have blood glucose checked at least every 3 years. Regular testing of random blood glucose should begin at a younger age and be performed more often if you are at particular risk for diabetes.
Maintain a healthy body weight and keep an active lifestyle to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
References
Psaty BM, Furberg CD. Rosiglitazone and Cardiovascular Risk. N Engl J Med . 2007 May 21; [Epub ahead of print].
Rao G. Insulin resistance syndrome. Am Fam Physician . 2001 Mar 15;63(6):1159-63, 1165-6.
Watson S, Miller K. Encyclopedia of the Human Body: The Endocrine System . Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing, 2004.
Larson PR, Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology . 10th ed. St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders; 2003.