The American Diabetes Association explains that in healthy people, glucose circulates in the blood until the hormone insulin pushes the glucose into the cells to provide energy that drives the chemical reactions of the body. Patients with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or their insulin doesn't respond to glucose. The glucose remains in the blood where it causes a host of problems.
This problem tends to occur in people who are obese, don't exercise or who have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and blurry vision. Patients are also vulnerable to slow-healing sores and frequent infection, including those of the bladder, vagina and gums.
Significance
The relationship between diabetes and kidney disease is so close that the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease refers to the "the kidney disease of diabetes." The 2007 Annual Data Report of the United States Renal Data System notes that 43.8 percent of all renal failure was caused by diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association explains that not all patients with type 2 diabetes get kidney disease. This complication generally does not appear very early or very late in the disease. Patients who have type 2 diabetes for 25 years without experiencing kidney issues stand a very good chance of never having this problem.
Warning
The American Diabetes Association warns that patients should inspect their feet regularly for small sores or cuts. Patients with type 2 diabetes are frequently unaware of such injuries because they have nerve damage--also called neuropathy--caused by the disease. Amputation of the feet and even legs may be required if infections get out of control.
Foot injuries are very common because the neuropathy causes dry skin. Cracked skin can get infected, causing serious complications.
Treatment
Many people can control diabetes by avoiding unnecessary carbohydrates, getting exercise and taking drugs such as metformin, glyburide or other preparations that help control blood sugar. If these steps are not sufficient, it may be necessary for the patient to take insulin as well.
The American Diabetes Association notes that patients who are able to control their blood sugar levels are less likely to get kidney disease or other serious complications.
Considerations
Patients with type 2 diabetes should also be conscious of controlling their blood pressure. The American Diabetes Associations includes the popular family of blood pressure medications called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors--commonly known as ACE inhibitors--among the drugs often taken by diabetics. ACE inhibitors are doubly effective in patients with kidney disease because they also lower urine protein.
