Non-insulin dependent diabetes, also referred to as type 2 diabetes mellitus, is a form of diabetes that affects over 90% of the diabetic population. This metabolic condition is characterized by episodes of high blood glucose levels due to insulin resistance or an inability to absorb it. There are many degrees of this condition and some individuals may produce adequate quantities of insulin, but for whatever reason, their body is unable to absorb it into the muscles, fat, and tissues in order to use it for energy. This action creates a demand for more insulin and after a while, the pancreas stops making insulin altogether. Other times, an individual may manufacture insulin, but in quantities too small to enable the conversion of sugar into fuel for the body.
The prevalence of non-insulin dependent diabetes has increased exponentially over the past few decades due to the availability of fast foods, lack of exercise, and overall poor lifestyles choices. Typically, individuals who are overweight or obese have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low LDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides tend to develop this form of diabetes. Losing weight, controlling blood sugar levels, and lowering your risk factors are the best way to prevent this disease from occurring.
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes – Symptoms
Symptoms of non-insulin dependent diabetes include excessive thirst, hunger, and urination. As a person drinks more, they will naturally need to use the bathroom more, which will perpetuate the cycle, but they are feeling thirsty because the kidneys are trying to flush out the excess sugar out of the blood and urine and the individual will become dehydrated. A person will feel hungry, especially for sugary foods, because the body is unable to utilize the glucose that has remained in the blood instead of being used for fuel.
Other symptoms may include weight loss and fatigue, which are also due to the elevated glucose levels. The body cannot use the calories that have been ingested so the person loses weight in spite of what they have consumed. Without energy for the muscles and tissues, a person will feel lethargic regardless of how well rested they are. Individuals may also notice that they have blurred vision, mood swings, or recurring infections. These symptoms are due to nerves and organs that are deprived of nutrients and are essentially malfunctioning.
Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes – Treatment
The best treatment for non-insulin dependent diabetes is diet and exercise. Individuals need to follow a strict diet in order to maintain normal ranges of blood glucose. This task cannot be achieved if a person is feasting on fast food, sugary foods, and junk food. Eating six small meals a day that are nutrient dense is an optimal way to keep one’s energy consistent throughout the day while stabilizing blood sugar levels. It will also enable a person to keep cravings under control, especially if they are trying to moderate their weight.
Diabetics should aim to exercise at least thirty minutes each day. Exercise has been proven to make cells more sensitive to glucose thereby requiring less insulin for absorption. A variety of exercises will help keep a person from getting bored with their routine and will ensure they are using all of the major muscle groups in addition to working on balance and stamina.
Kicking bad habits like drinking alcohol and caffeine and smoking tobacco should be eliminated or reduced as these substances can be sugary and can constrict blood vessels, which will complicate this disease. If diet and exercise therapies do not show an improvement, a doctor may recommend a prescription medication to control the disease, but that should be a last resort.
