Diabetes is a word that many people dread to hear. A lifelong disease can result in serious health complications. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment these complications can be delayed if not avoided completely. The main ammunition against diabetes is good information, when you are aware of exactly what, why, and how diabetes works you can take steps to live a happy normal life.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make or cannot adequately utilize the hormone insulin. Insulin is responsible for a cells ability to use sugar from the foods you eat as fuel. Type 2 diabetes is a case where the body is generally insulin resistant, which means your cells are not sensitive to insulin and sugar begins to build up in the system.
Sugar, or glucose as it is referred to, is a necessary fuel for your cells. However, when it begins to build in the blood stream instead of being used serious medical problems can ensue. Eye disease, kidney failure and heart problems are just a few of the medical issues a diabetic can face.
Why people get diabetes is not an exact science though genetics and diet play a major role. A person who leads a sedentary lifestyle, eats poorly and has a family history of diabetes is more prone to the disease than the average person is. That being said people with no risk factors have presented with the disease. This is generally type one diabetes however.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild if they are present at all. This is a slow developing disease that most are not aware is creeping up on them until it is too late. The most commonly seen symptoms are:
- Blurry vision
- Insatiable thirst
- Frequently tired
- Wounds or infections that will not heal
- Urinating frequently
- Constantly hungry
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
The treatment for type 2 diabetes can be as simple as diet and exercise changes or as complex as medications or injections. The overall goal of treatment is to lower blood sugar levels to normal range and be sure that the cells are getting the sugar they require to function correctly. This may be done with medications that increase insulin sensitivity or with drugs that eliminate the excess sugar in your system.
In extreme cases of both obesity and diabetes, your doctor may discuss gastric bypass surgery with you. Current research is showing that diabetes is practically cured by this type of surgery, even before weight loss begins. If it means saving yourself from more serious complications this is a great option. It will require you to make certain sacrifices and lifestyle changes, but anything is better than kidney, eye or heart disease not to mention the risk for amputation of limbs that will become infected and will not heal.
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