Diabetes is a term that refers to a group of diseases that can affect how the body utilizes glucose, or blood sugar. According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes, which is around 7.8 percent of the total population. Several types of diabetes have been identified: Type 1 and type 2 are the most common, and some pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes, which disappears after the infant is delivered. Type 1 diabetes is known as child onset diabetes and is usually hereditary. Type 2 diabetes is the more common form and can also be genetic, but can develop at any age and is known for affecting the overweight and obese population.
Causes
The main cause for developing type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. All cells need glucose for energy and daily functioning. Normal cells use insulin, produced by the pancreas, as a key to open its doors to allow glucose to enter. People with type 2 diabetes have cells that become insulin resistant. This means their cells no longer use the normal amount of insulin to utilize glucose in the bloodstream. The pancreas can produce more insulin to try to overcome the resistance, but can eventually tire out. This causes blood glucose to build up in the bloodstream, known as hyperglycemia, as the glucose is not being used for energy due to insulin not being able to open the door for the cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes are very similar to type 1 and gestational diabetes: Increased thirst, frequent urination, and extreme hunger are common. Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, nonhealing or slow healing wounds, and frequent infections.
Complications
Type 2 diabetes can cause many other complications. The buildup of glucose in the blood can cause damage to small blood vessels in the body. Eyes, hands and feet are susceptible to neuropathy, which is nerve damage causing loss of feeling and/or function. Skin conditions such as bacterial infections, fungal infections and itching are other complications. Kidney damage and disease can also occur, along with high blood pressure. Ketoacidosis, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, bone and joint problems, and gastroparesis (slow stomach function) are other possible complications from type 2 diabetes.
Diagnosis
Medical professionals would first try to conduct a glycated hemoglobin A1C test. This is a blood test that checks the average blood sugar for approximately three months, according to the MayoClinic. The higher the A1C, the more sugar that has been attached to the hemoglobin over time, which indicates higher levels of blood glucose levels. A random blood sugar test may also be done, and if the blood sugar is above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) diabetes is indicated. Another test is the fasting blood sugar test in which a person will fast overnight and blood will be drawn in the morning. If the morning blood sugar is above 126 mg/dL on two separate occasions, diabetes is the likely diagnosis. The oral glucose tolerance test is another option in which an individual drinks a solution, then blood sugar is checked two hours later. If the blood sugar is above 140 mg/dL, prediabetes is considered a possibility, and if it's over 200 mg/dL, diabetes is the diagnosis.
Treatment
Those with type 2 diabetes have many different treatments to discuss with their medical professional. Monitoring blood sugar many times a day or week is important. Oral medication may be prescribed to decrease insulin resistance. Insulin may be prescribed to help the body utilize blood sugar from food so cells can use the energy available. A dietitian may be consulted to help with healthy eating and carbohydrate counting. Exercise is also beneficial as it has been shown to decrease insulin resistance, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Type 2 diabetes may be prevented in some people if they're vigilant and know the risk factors. According to the MayoClinic, risk factors include a family history of diabetes, especially if a parent or sibling has been diagnosed; being over age 45; and being of Hispanic, American Indian or Asian decent. Prevention techniques include eating a healthy diet full of variety and getting more physical activity, at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day. Staying at a healthy weight or losing weight if overweight is another way to decrease risk.
