Type 2 DM is the most common form of diabetes mellitus; it accounts for 90% of the people with the disease. Currently 25.8 million U.S. children and adults have diabetes. That is 8.3% of the population. Sadly, it is estimated that 7 million of them are still not diagnosed. Additionally, surveys show that in 2007 diabetes was listed as the primary cause of death in 71,382 death certificates, and a total of 231, 404 deaths were contributed to diabetes, according to ConeHealth.com. Type 2 DM is a growing epidemic in the U.S. and around the world. It is even more unfortunate because many times Type 2 DM can be prevented if a person chooses to live a healthier lifestyle.
Type 2 DM is a metabolic disease in which the body does not utilize insulin properly. Insulin is the hormone used by the body to help the cells take in blood glucose (sugar) and convert it into energy. When the sugar is not taken into the cells, it runs free in the bloodstream and over time tears up internal parts of the body. The complications that come about because of the disease are some of the most serious. They include heart disease, stroke, blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and many more. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the earlier prevention of these complications can begin. This is why it is important that all people be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of Type 2 DM.
DM Type 2 Symptoms
DM type 2 symptoms develop slowly. Many people have Type 2 DM for years and don’t even know it. Typically, DM type 2 symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Frequent infections
- Slow-healing sores
Type 2 DM Treatment
Type 2 DM treatment normally involves oral medications that help to regulate blood sugar levels. Sometimes type 2 diabetics have to take medical insulin as well, but this is not very common. For the most part treatment for Type 2 DM involves changing your lifestyle in ways which allow you to lose weight and be more active. Type 2 diabetics must refrain from eating too many foods that are high in sugar, carbohydrates, and trans-fats. Centering their meals on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains allows them to keep their blood sugar levels balanced. Exercising daily does the same. Carefully monitoring blood sugar levels throughout the day is another major part of Type 2 DM treatment.
Pathophysiology of DM Type 2
The Armenian Medical Network offers the following pathophysiology of Type 2 DM:
“The underlying pathophysiologic defect in type 2 diabetes does not involve autoimmune beta-cell destruction. Rather, type 2 diabetes is characterized by the following three disorders: (1) peripheral resistance to insulin, especially in muscle cells; (2) increased production of glucose by the liver; and, (3) altered pancreatic insulin secretion. Increased tissue resistance to insulin generally occurs first and is eventually followed by impaired insulin secretion. The pancreas produces insulin, yet insulin resistance prevents its proper use at the cellular level. Glucose cannot enter target cells and accumulates in the bloodstream, resulting in hyperglycemia. The high blood glucose levels often stimulate an increase in insulin production by the pancreas; thus, type 2 diabetic individuals often have excessive insulin production (hyperinsulinemia). Over the years, pancreatic insulin production usually decreases to below normal levels. In addition to hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetic patients often have a group of disorders that has been called “insulin resistance syndrome” or syndrome X.”
