Understanding What Type 2 Diabetes is All About

The most common for of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells in the body are ignoring the insulin that is produced. Everyone needs insulin in order to use glucose for energy.

The body absorbs the food we eat and the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches we have consumed and changes them into glucose. Glucose is the basic fuel that the cells of our bodies uses to function.

Insulin is needed in order to take the glucose from the blood and carry it into the cells of the body so that it can be used. If a person lacks insulin or the body does not recognize the insulin then the glucose stays in the blood where it can be monitored by devices that tell us how much glucose we have in our blood.

If we allow high levels of glucose in our blood to continue over time it can cause damage to our eyes, kidneys, nerves and our heart.

Those who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may be terrified at first concerning the possibilities but they soon realize that they can manage the disease and have long, healthy, happy lives.

Type 2 diabetes occurs in individuals of all ages and in all races. Certain races may be at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes such as those who are African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, or are Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders or those who are elderly.

When you have type 2 diabetes you need to be concerned with other conditions including hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. In order to control these conditions individuals with type 2 diabetes will learn about insulin, oral medications, diagnostic tests and how to manage and check the blood glucose level on a regular basis.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes can develop serious complications of which they should be aware of so that they can prevent these complications from happening.

The complications of type 2 diabetes include developing cardiovascular disease (heart disease), retinopathy (blindness), neuropathy (nerve damage), and nephropathy (kidney damage).

All individuals should take good care of their body, but those with type 2 diabetes should be more diligent in caring for their body especially foot care and skin care.

A diabetic doctor who is trained to recognize signs of complications from type 2 diabetes should closely monitor them.