Diabetes Type 2: What Are The Symptoms and Treatment?

Diabetes Type 2 is adult onset diabetes characterized by metabolic syndrome and the underutilization of insulin in the bloodstream; common symptoms of Diabetes Type 2 include obesity, excessive thirst, and wounds that are slow to heal. Type II diabetes is more common in Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Type II diabetics can still produce insulin but their body does not process the insulin correctly (metabolic syndrome) or does not use the insulin that is stored (underutilization). Obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes type II as fat hinders the processing of insulin in the body. The fat coats the cells like an overcoat that is buttoned up; this overcoat prevents the insulin from permeating the cells. To counteract what the body perceives as a lack of insulin, the body uses more insulin than is necessary for the body weight. The end result of insulin resistance is increased fat deposits, as insulin is the hormone that tells the body to store fat.

Diabetes Type II treatment is twofold: reduce the need for more insulin and reduce the body weight of the patient. This is accomplished in many ways including diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. The average type II diabetic is overweight by at least twenty pounds. Often, losing just those twenty pounds will change the diagnosis from diabetic to pre - diabetic, allowing the patient to enjoy more years of freedom from a syringe and needle and often not requiring any other medical intervention other than weekly or monthly blood sugar monitoring. A diabetic weight reduction diet of 1800 calories a day with at least 30 minutes of exercise three days a week will sometimes be the only change necessary to stave off diabetes for several years.

If diet and exercise are not enough to control blood glucose, then the diabetes type II patient will be started on diabetic medications in the form of pills or insulin injections or a combination therapy. Most diabetic pills increase the body's acceptance of the insulin that is already there; at present there are no forms of insulin in a pill form. The diabetic type II treatment plan will include monitoring their diet, exercise at least three times a week to help the insulin work more efficiently in the body, and taking medication. In addition, insulin injections may be added if the body is resistant to other medications for controlling diabetes. It is imperative that blood sugar is in control because of the terrible consequences of uncontrolled diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, dialysis and kidney failure, heart disease, and amputation. Neuropathy, the loss of feeling in the arms and legs, and loss of balance are common symptoms of high blood sugar. Hypertension and congestive heart failure are often seen in diabetic patients. Diabetes is the leading contributor to adult hearing loss.

If you or a loved one suspect you have diabetes it is essential that you consult a health professional. The quicker diabetes can be brought under control the lesser the complications and chronic health issues will affect the patient. Diabetes has several factors that contribute to successful treatment. Knowing the early symptoms of Diabetes Type 2 will enable the patient to recognize the need for medical intervention and treatment. If you have frequent thirst, tiredness, unusual hunger, sudden weight loss while eating large amounts of food, frequent bladder or skin infections, blurred vision that does not clear, or diabetes in your family, have your blood glucose checked every six months. Diabetes can occur at any time in the life, not just at birth or age seventy. Regularly check your blood sugar if you are a direct descendent of anyone with diabetes, are overweight, or are African American, Native American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic.