Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects around 6% of the US population, and the majority of those cases are the less serious type 2 diabetes. All forms of diabetes need treatment, and in the worst case, insulin injections are required to provide replacement for all the insulin usually provided naturally by the body.

Type 2 diabetes can be treated more simply by following a strict regimen of diet and exercise, and has been linked to lifestyle choices, such as obesity. The main effect of diabetes is a reduction in the effectiveness of insulin which moves glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Unless it is moved into the cells, the body cannot use it for energy, and this can lead to several nasty side effects.

Symptoms associated with diabetes include hunger, and thirst, extreme fatigue and sudden weight loss. Since type 2 diabetes tends to occur gradually, it might not be noticed until it is time to take drastic action. For example, it is estimated that 80% of sufferers are obese, and it is possible that some of the early symptoms were disregarded as a side effect of an overweight condition.

Genetics can also play a role in type 2 diabetes risk; a family with a history of the condition is more likely to contain members that are afflicted. Hypertension can also cause the condition, another complaint that is associated with obesity.

It is clear then that one of the simplest treatments for type 2 diabetes will be a change of diet, and more regular exercise. A trip to the doctor will, however, be a good idea, if only to confirm that the lifestyle change can manage the condition. In extreme cases, insulin will be required to be injected into the body to replace malfunctioning insulin produced naturally.

One of the other nasty side effects of diabetes is high blood sugar. This is usually removed by the kidneys, causing them to work harder. However, the pancreas also try to compensate for the high blood sugar by producing more insulin, which should in theory help to transfer it to the cells.

The cells then sense the increase, and, in turn, become more resistant to the insulin, thus absorbing even less glucose. This feeds the cycle, causing glucose levels to soar as well as higher insulin levels. All in all, it needs to be treated before this becomes even more problematic.

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