Diabetes Type 2. Useful things to know.

General data

Glucose is the main energy source for the body. All forms of diabetes mellitus are caused by the inability to utilize glucose adequately. It is associated with the disturbance of production or use of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the cells of pancreas and necessary for transformation of glucose, starches and other food components into energy.

In people suffering from diabetes Type 2 the pancreas may produce insufficient amounts of insulin or the body is incapable to use it adequately. As a result, the level of glucose in blood is increased and it leads to the damage of blood vessels and other organs.

This form of diabetes develops among middle-aged and older people. The diagnosis of diabetes Type 2 is made on the basis of high amounts of glucose in blood, as well as glucose detection in urine.

Causes of Diabetes Type 2

It is considered that genetic predisposition to disease as well as the combination of such risk factors as age and excessive body weight play a role in the occurrence of diabetes Type 2. With age, the functional activity of the pancreas becomes reduced. The most important contributing factor, however, is obesity. It is established that more than 80 % of patients with diabetes Type 2 have excessive weight. It is thought that the excessive fat breaks the ability of the body to utilize insulin.

Signs and Symptoms

Patients complain of excessive thirst, frequent urination, quick weight loss, weakness, weariness, irritability, nausea and vomiting.

Complications of Diabetes Type 2

In case of insufficient control of Diabetes Type 2 the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, kidney disease, neurological disturbances, impotence, visual impairments (including blindness), and gangrene is increased. Diabetes Type 2 is a dangerous disease. In the absence of an effective therapy the lethal outcome connected to complications due to high blood glucose levels or pathological changes of body organs and systems is possible.

What can you do?

Sometimes people try to use the home remedies for diabetes. If any symptoms of diabetes appear, it is necessary to pass medical examination immediately. Even if signs and symptoms of diabetes are absent, it is good to check the level of glucose in blood and urine. It is particularly true for people having diabetes in the family anamnesis, persons older than 40 years and those whose body weight is excessive. After the diagnosis of diabetes is established, it is necessary to pass regular medical control and check the level of glucose in blood in order to prevent the development of complications. For effective treatment of diabetes it is necessary to control the condition carefully.