Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in which the body response to insulin is impaired leading to problems in sugar metabolism. The body cells lose sensitivity to insulin causing the blood sugar level to rise. This condition is also called adult-onset
Diabetes or non insulin dependant diabetes.
Symptoms
- Increase in thirst and urination: Presence of sugar in the blood beyond the normal levels causes fluid loss from the tissues. This leads to insatiable thirst and consequently frequent urination due to increased consumption of water.
- Unappeasable hunger and weight loss: Though contradictory, in Type 2 Diabetes a person consumes more food because he is constantly hungry but also loses weight at he same time. This is because body resistance to insulin impairs the absorption of sugar in the body. Therefore the cells are deprived of their energy source which triggers unappeasable hunger. The hunger pangs persist even after a meal. Still the person loses weight because sugar does not reach the tissues forcing the muscles and fat breakdown to release energy. This breakdown of the body reserves leads to weight loss. The person also remains constantly fatigued and irritated.
- Blurring of vision: When blood sugar level is high there is loss of fluid form the eye tissues, including the lens, also because of osmosis. This affects the focusing ability of the eyes.
- Slow healing wounds: High blood sugar level causes persistent infections in wounds delaying their healing.
- Acanthosis Nigricans: This is a condition that arises from insulin resistance leading to darkening of skin especially in the creases and folds of the body.
Diagnosis: Few blood tests will help in identifying the presence of type 2 diabetes.
- OGTT or Oral Glucose Tolerance test: Presence of diabetes in indicated if the glucose level measures higher 200 mg/dL after 2 hours of consumption of specified quantities of glucose.
- Random or non fasting blood sugar test: If randomly tested blood sample shows a blood sugar level anything above 200 mg/dL it suggests diabetes. It can be established with an analysis of fasting blood sample.
- Fasting blood sugar test: If fasting blood sugar level is above 126 mg/dL in two consecutive blood tests then diabetes id established.
Treatment
Treating
Type 2 Diabetes requires a two pronged approach. The first is to bring the blood sugar level under control and the second is to maintain the sugar levels within the normal limits so that the term effects of diabetes is delayed or prevented enabling the individual to lead a normal life.
- Controlling the blood sugar levels: Immediate control can be achieved with medications. Continued medications will help in stabilizing the sugar levels. There are oral medicines and insulin injections that you can use under prescriptions of a medical practitioner
- Maintaining the sugar levels: This is an ongoing process and a difficult task. Learning Diabetes management techniques will help. These techniques include
- Self-testing and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels: If you can learn how to test the blood sugar levels yourself then regular monitoring is possible. There are various devises like glucometer, blood glucose testing strips etc which a person can use himself regularly.
- Proper diet and regular exercises: Following a nutrition diet is very important. Type 2 Diabetes diet must include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and less of sugars and animal products. A dietician help can be sought to make a proper diet plan. Along with proper diet regular exercise is essential. It helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels within acceptable limits. It also assists in keeping a check on your weight.
- Regular visits to the doctors: A diabetic person must get himself fully examined very three months. Sugar tests, blood pressure monitoring ophthalmologic examinations etc must be conducted on a regular basis. This will help in identifying any symptomatic indications and treating them on time.
- A diabetic patient must also be aware of buying and storing diabetic supplies, administering self-medication, recognizing the symptoms of low and high sugar levels, handling wounds, infections and sick days.
Diabetes is a chronic disease. But with proper care and discipline it is possible to enjoy a normal life with this infliction.
