Type 2 diabetes is a disease that causes an excess level of sugar (glucose) to accumulate in the bloodstream. This problem occurs due to the amount of insulin manufactured by the body, or the manner in which the body responds to insulin in the blood. The condition cannot be cured. However, left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications.

Below, we\’ll provide an overview of the disease, beginning with an explanation of how it develops. You\’ll learn how to identify signs of diabetes as well as some of the long-term problems it can cause. We\’ll also describe the treatment options that are available to help manage the condition.

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

Glucose is required by the body for energy. It is manufactured by the liver, and is made available through the foods we consume. As foods pass through the gastrointestinal tract, glucose is transferred to the bloodstream.

Insulin is a hormone that helps to regulate the level of glucose in the blood. It is manufactured by the pancreas, and is a key factor in the body\’s metabolism. Insulin causes the cells of the organs and tissues to \”open up\” and receive glucose, which is then stored for later use.

With type 2 diabetes, the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas is insufficient for regulating the absorption of glucose, or the body becomes resistant to the hormone. As a result, too much sugar is allowed to remain in the bloodstream, and too little is absorbed by the cells of the organs and tissues. This causes a marked loss of energy as well as numerous other symptoms.

Common Symptoms And Complications Of Diabetes

When glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, the patient often experiences severe hunger. The muscles and organs essentially become starved of energy, prompting a strong urge for food. Persistent thirst and a frequent need to urinate are also common. As the patient\’s blood sugar level increases, he or she becomes more thirsty.

Many people with type 2 diabetes experience noticeable weight loss, even though they consume more food to sate their hunger. This happens because the body is forced to use other sources of energy in the absence of sugar in the cells. These sources include muscle and fat, the loss of which causes the patient to lose weight.

Fatigue and general weakness are also common symptoms. The body begins to feel run down without a continuous supply of energy.

Even when these symptoms present, diabetes is often ignored. The patient may attribute increased hunger and thirst, more frequent urination, and overall lack of energy to other causes. With time and lack of treatment, however, a number of serious problems may surface.

Many patients experience a tingling feeling in their legs. This is caused by nerve damage (i.e. neuropathy). The excess sugar in the bloodstream damages the blood vessels that supply the nerves with nourishment. In some cases, this can lead to a permanent loss of feeling.

There is also an increased risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Other complications can include damage to the kidneys, eyes, and feet, as well as a gradual loss of bone density (i.e. osteoporosis).

Treatment And Home Care For Diabetes

Treating type 2 diabetes involves lifelong management rather than a curative approach (as noted earlier, there is no known cure for the condition). Patients are strongly encouraged to monitor their blood sugar level on a daily basis, and to maintain a strict, healthy diet. They should familiarize themselves with the way certain foods, beverages, drugs, and other stimuli affect the level of glucose in their blood.

Regular exercise is also important since it makes the muscles and tissues more sensitive to insulin. As a result, exercise lowers the patient\’s blood sugar level. The level should be checked prior to working out to ensure it remains in a safe range.

On occasion, medications or insulin treatments are necessary to help control the disease. The physician may use one or the other, or combine both approaches to adjust the level of glucose in the patient\’s blood.

Learn to identify the early signs of type 2 diabetes. The earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to manage through exercise and a healthy diet.

Find out more by visiting CVTSA and for detailed information on strokes and many other conditions, visit HealthFacts4U.com.

Find out more by visiting http://www.cvtsa.com and for detailed information on strokes and many other conditions, visit http://healthfacts4u.com/

Author Bio: Find out more by visiting CVTSA and for detailed information on strokes and many other conditions, visit HealthFacts4U.com.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Health, Doctor, Specialist, Treatment