Type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus can be managed with a healthy diet and by losing weight, but in some cases drug treatments may be necessary.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
The pancreas is an organ situated behind the stomach which secretes the hormone insulin. Insulin is necessary for breaking down blood sugar and controlling the amount of glucose in the blood. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, giving rise to an insulin deficiency, or the body is unable to react to the presence of insulin (insulin resistance), the level of blood glucose becomes higher than normal and produces symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
It is not the amount of sugar a person eats that increases the risk of diabetes, but the total amount of food he or she eats. Type 2 diabetes is usually seen in people who are aged over 40 and who are overweight. Abdominal girth is an indicator of a person's risk for diabetes. Women who have a waist measurement of 80cm or more, and men who have a waist measurement of 90cm or more, are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms and Health Risks of Type 2 Diabetes
It is thought that thousands of people have diabetes and don't even know it because they feel fine. Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include frequent urination and excessive thirst, weight loss, tiredness, increased susceptibility to infections, pins and needles, fainting or dizziness and loss of libido. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop slowly.
Persistent high blood sugar can cause long-term damage, including damage to blood vessels, kidney disease, circulation problems, damage to the nervous system, skin problems, blindness, bowel and bladder problems, heart attack, stroke, and an increased risk of osteoporosis. In severe cases, diabetes may result in convulsions or diabetic coma.
Testing and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
If a person has type 2 diabetes, his or her urine and blood will contain excessive amounts of sugar. Blood and urine tests are used to make a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. A person's fasting blood sugar level (before meals) should be below 6mmol/l (126mg/dl).
People who receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes will need to keep their blood sugar at an appropriate level in order to prevent future health complications. Diabetes can be managed with a healthy, balanced diet, containing appropriate amounts of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Sugars should come from natural, unrefined foods, including plenty of fruit and vegetables. It is also important to lose weight if necessary.
Some diabetics will need medications to lower their blood glucose levels. Others will need to inject themselves with insulin. Regular check-ups are important for detecting other health problems which may arise as a result of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Anyone who suspects they may have symptoms of diabetes should seek medical advice so they can manage their condition and avoid the potentially fatal consequences. The earlier type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the better.
To find out more about a healthy diet for type 2 diabetes, read Diet Tips for People with Type 2 Diabetes.
Sources:
McKenna, Pixie. "Diet and Metabolism." In The Handbag Doctor. London: Kyle Cathie Limited, 2010. 251-252.
Various. "Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders." In Food and Juice for Health. London: Hamlyn, 2002. 36-37.
Webster's Medical Dictionary. Scotland: Geddes & Grosset, 2008. 128.
Sharon Kirby - Sharon is a freelance health writer and contributes to various print and online publications. Writing credits include Nursing Times, Good ...
