Type 2 diabetes was once known as adult onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin, or insulin is not used properly by the body. Insulin plays an important role in the body by breaking down glucose into energy for the body. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually occur in middle age.
Understanding Diabetes
Insulin is a hormone produced by a gland called the pancreas, found just behind the stomach. Insulin helps to move glucose, which is sugar, from the bloodstream to the cells, lowering the level of glucose in the bloodstream and averting a dangerous buildup. The lower the level of glucose, the less insulin the pancreas needs to produce. In people who have type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas stops producing the insulin, or the body becomes resistant to insulin. The exact cause is unknown, but obesity and inactivity are factors.
Thirst and Frequent Urination
An early symptom seen with diabetes is an increased thirst, also called polydipsia. As glucose builds up in the bloodstream, it will pull fluids away from the tissues. The body recognizes this and triggers the desire for the patient to drink more fluids. Increased urination, or polyuria, happens because the kidneys will try to flush out excess glucose from the body.
Hunger and Weight Loss
Increased hunger is another symptom. Even though the patient may have a good appetite and is eating well, he will notice an unexplained weight loss. "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly" says people usually consume more food than is needed at each feeding, and the extra carbohydrates and fats are stored for future use. When the body is unable to use glucose, it will use up the extra carbohydrates and fat that have been stored, and muscles become depleted of energy. When the muscles are in need of energy, they signal the body to eat more, but it has a hard time keeping up with the demand and weight loss occurs.
Fatigue and Blurred Vision
When cells are deprived of glucose, the patient may feel tired. She may also complain of blurred vision, which is caused from the shift in fluids being pulled from the lens tissue.
Slow Wound Healing
In diabetes, blood flow to the small vessels is impaired. Red blood cells carry the oxygen, hemoglobin and nutrients to the tissues that are necessary for wound healing. With decreased blood flow to the wound tissue, healing time will be prolonged, and the risk of infection increases.
References
- "Critical Care Nursing Quarterly"; "Pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus"; Guthrie and Guthrie; 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Type 2 diabetes
