What is type 2 diabetes? This article focuses on different aspects of this question. Type 2 diabetes, formally known as type 2 diabetes mellitus, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), which is you body’s main source of fuel. This disease has been described as a growing epidemic; millions of people have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in America alone. Almost everyone knows someone with the disease. This is why it is so important for people to learn about type 2 diabetes and ways that it can be prevented.

How do you get type 2 diabetes? Genetics and environmental factors both play a role in how you get this disease. Diabetes does run in families, but if you are related to someone that has the disease it is not written in stone that someday you might have it. Recent studies have shown that by keeping a healthy diet, staying physically active, and keeping an overall healthy lifestyle, some people have been able to ‘dodge the bullet’, so to speak, of type 2 diabetes.

What is a type 2 diabetes diet? Diet is probably the most important thing concerning type 2 diabetes. Think of it as a tool for keeping yourself healthy, not as a prison sentence. For the most part you can still eat the things that you like, just maybe not as much or not as often.

You will do best using a diabetes type 2 diet, if you have an understanding of the disease. People who have type 2 of diabetes mellitus have an insulin dysfunction in their body. Insulin is the hormone which causes the cells to take in sugars. A diabetic’s body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Therefore, there is a build-up of blood sugar in their system. A good diabetic diet is going to be low in carbohydrates, as they turn into blood glucose (blood sugar). Vegetables and fruits should be central to the diet, and whole grains are good for you as well. Protein should be in your diet, but not heavily. Keeping your weight to a minimum is almost as important as keeping your blood sugar balanced (you don’t want you blood sugar to become too low either).

 

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

 

What are type 2 diabetes symptoms? If you are overweight or diabetes runs in your family, you should take the time to learn about diabetes type 2 symptoms. Most of the time there are no outward symptoms of diabetes. Some common symptoms that occur in the beginning of diabetes are:

  • Bladder, kidney, skin, or other infections that become more frequent or are slow to heal
  • Fatigue
  • Excessive hunger
  • Weight loss
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Pain or numbness in feet or hands

 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. The sooner you tell your doctor what type 2 diabetes symptoms you are having, the better off your going to be. When left untreated, diabetes can cause some serious complications such as blindness, amputation, or even death.

 

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

 

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are alike, but not the same. Type 1 diabetes tends to occur at an earlier age. In fact, it used to be called juvenile diabetes. Diabetics with type 1 are usually younger and leaner. Type 1 diabetes is much rarer and occurs because the pancreas does not produce insulin. This is usually because the beta cells of the pancreas have been attacked by the person’s own immune system. However, sometimes exposures to viruses, toxins, or other environmental factors cause type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes have to keep a good diet and exercise regiment too. They also must take medical insulin because their body does not make it.

 

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

 

How can you get type 2 diabetes? Although, genetics are one major cause of diabetes, there are many factors that can cause type 2 diabetes. The following are risk factors of type 2 diabetes:

  • Being overweight
  • Excess abdominal fat
  • Family history
  • Race
  • Age
  • Inactivity
  • Pre-diabetes
  • Gestational diabetes

 

Related articles: Type 2 DM | What is Syndrome X? | Diabetes and Neuropathy | Insulin Dependent Diabetes | Class 2 Diabetes | Mature Onset Diabetes | Hypothyroidism and Insulin Resistance | Fatty Liver and Metabolic Syndrome | Class D Diabetes | Immune-Mediated Diabetes | Class III Diabetes | Hypothyroidism and Metabolic Syndrome | Metabolism Syndrome | Diabetic Types | Diabetes Fetus | Double Diabetes | Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy | Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus | Early Onset Diabetes | Dysmetabolic Syndrome X |