Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, is a chronic disease characterized by high levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. The disease develops gradually and usually appears in adulthood. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition, and proper management is vital to preventing further complications.
Physiology
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a condition called insulin resistance. Either the body does not make enough insulin, or the body no longer processes it properly. Insulin is needed to transport glucose from the blood into the cells, where it is stored for energy, according to the American Diabetes Association. If the body cannot utilize insulin properly, glucose accumulates in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar.
Risk Factors
Because fat interferes with the body's ability to use insulin, people who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, according to Medline Plus. Physical activity uses up glucose for energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin, so those who are inactive are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes according to Mayo Clinic. Family history, poor diet and older age also contribute to an increased risk of developing the disease. African Americans, Latin Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are statistically more susceptible to type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
Those with type 2 diabetes can often have the disease without knowing it, and it can be a number of years before symptoms develop, and damage is done to the body. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision and wounds that don't heal. Some people also develop acanthosis nigricans, which is characterized by dark patches of skin in the folds and creases of the body, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Management
Treatment of type 2 diabetes focuses on lowering blood sugar levels and long-term management of the disease to prevent future complications. Diabetes management skills include blood sugar monitoring, proper diet, regular exercise and insulin therapy, if needed. In most people with type 2 diabetes, blood sugar should be monitored one to two times per day using a glucometer, a device that tests glucose levels in blood, according to Medline Plus. Proper diet includes choosing healthy foods, eating at approximately the same time every day and eating about the same amount of food every day. Regular exercise improves overall health by lowering blood sugar and burning fat and calories, leading to weight loss. If lifestyle modifications are not enough to manage type 2 diabetes, insulin may be prescribed. Insulin therapy consists of self injections of insulin and cannot be taken orally.
Complications
If not properly managed, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious future complications. Those who have diabetes have an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Untreated diabetes can also lead to skin problems, nerve damage, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, blindness and kidney disease.
