The Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus type 2) is commonly known as adult onset diabetes. Also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes and obesity related diabetes, it is characterized by the body’s inability to properly utilize the sufficient insulin produced in the pancreas. This is called insulin resistance. Other characteristics include insulin deficiency and a condition known as hyperglycemia (excessive glucose in the blood).

The origin of type 2 diabetes is unknown at this time, but factors contributing to it’s appearance are tied to diet, activity and hereditary tendencies. It may well be that a person is genetically disposed to developing type 2 diabetes. This type is more of a problem than type 1, but is somewhat easier to treat due to the non-dependency on insulin. However, as age increases, the production of natural insulin decreases and the condition moves into type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is widespread in the developed world with an increasing rate of occurrence in other countries and regions of the world. It is so prevalent that the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has declared the increase an epidemic.

The onset of type 2 diabetes usually occurs in middle age and later stages of life. Noticeable symptoms include failure of wounds to heal, renal (kidney) failure, blindness and coronary heart disease in severe cases. For this reason, type 2 diabetes is somewhat more serious in nature although there is an equal rate of mortality in both types.

When it comes to type 2 diabetes, prevention is the key. The onset of type 2 diabetes can be stemmed or slowed by simple dietary restrictions, an exercise regimen and, sometimes, pharmaceutical therapy with metformin or acarbose in patients with a high probability of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes type 2 is both progressive and chronic with no known cure. Treatment of this condition has a dual purpose: 1. To reduce the mortality possibilities and stem the morbidity of the disease. 2. Sustain the quality of the patient’s life.

The first is achieved by blood glucose monitoring while the second goal is attained through patient education and team work with knowledgeable medical professionals. It is held that an informed patient is a happy patient. Dietary management has a key role in not only preventing the onset of diabetes, but also managing it after it has manifested. Caloric content is found to be not so major a factor as what types of foods are taken in. After exhaustive studies, it was discovered that vegan diets and some natural spices (strangely enough, those found in apple pie) are beneficial.

While the origins of both types of diabetes are unknown, there are factors that contribute to the onset. These include, but are not limited to, morbid obesity, consumption of greasy or sugary foods, lack of activity and a general lackadaisical attitude toward one’s health.

Type 2 diabetes is known to be responsible for numerous maladies like heart attacks, strokes, blindness and paralysis. The health of the patient takes a noted downturn when diabetes rears it’s ugly head.

Developing type 2 diabetes is not the end of the world, but speed is of the essence in diagnosis and treatment. If you notice any symptoms that you think may be diabetes related, consult a physician immediately.