There are two types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. 90-95% of everyone with diabetes has type 2 diabetes and it often develops in people over the age of 45. However, type 2 diabetes is starting to become more common in children, teens, and young adults.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar in the form of glucose. Glucose is an important source of fuel for the body. Type 2 diabetes is a result of one's body resisting the effects of insulin or the result of one's body not producing enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which regulates the movement of sugar into cells. Insulin resistance results from cells not responding normally, which leads to the pancreas making more insulin than necessary to try to get the cells to respond. Since the pancreas can't keep up with the body, blood sugar levels rise (https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html). Symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes include frequent urination, extreme thirst, weight loss without trying, extreme hunger, blurry vision, numbness or tingling of the feet or hands, extreme fatigue, dry skin, and sores that heal slowly. Furthermore, people with this type are more prone to infections than the average human.
The cause behind who develops type 2 diabetes is unknown. However, factors such as genetics and one's environment, including being overweight and inactive, seem to be contributors. Furthermore, a study done by Newcastle University in the United Kingdom confirmed their hypothesis that type 2 diabetes is a result of excess fat in both the liver and pancreas. Although there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, there are ways to manage it. Losing weight, eating healthy, exercising regularly, monitoring blood sugar, and trying diabetes medications or insulin therapy can all help to keep blood sugar levels closer to normal. Thus, this can delay or prevent complications that arise from type 2 diabetes.
Although a majority of cases are developed over the age of 45, there is an increasing rate of children and teens who are developing type 2 diabetes. Currently, one third of the American youth population is overweight and studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. More than 75% of children with type 2 diabetes have a close relative who has it too. Factors that contribute to this are genetics, sharing the same habits with family members that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and being born to a mother with gestational diabetes. Other components that contribute to developing this condition include ethnicity. Those who are African American, Hispainic/Latino, Native American/ Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, having one or more conditions related to insulin resistance, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can increase ones chance of developing this condition as well. Signs of trouble, for anyone, include high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), increased ketones in urine, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome, when blood sugar is higher than 600 mg/dL.
It is important to take care of oneself on a daily basis. Exercise regularly, eat healthy, and go to your regular doctor appointments. Although type 2 diabetes is manageable, it is also something that is preventable if you take care of yourself. Start integrating healthy habits into your everyday routine so that you have a healthy functioning body!
If you know anyone with type 2 diabetes, here are some lifestyle tips that can help them live their best life while simultaneously living with type 2 diabetes!
- Commit to managing diabetes
- Identify yourself with a necklace or bracelet
- Schedule regular, yearly physical exams and eye exams
- Keep vaccinations up to date
- Take care of teeth since those with type 2 diabetes are more prone to gum infections.
- Pay attention to your feet. Check for sores, etc since those with type 2 diabetes don't heal well.
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control
- Quit smoking
- Drink responsibly
- Consider joining a support group
References:
- "Childhood Obesity Facts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 June 2019, www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html.
- "Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Kids." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Sept. 2017, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevent-type-2/type-2-kids.html.
- "Statistics About Diabetes." Statistics About Diabetes | ADA, 2017, www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/statistics-about-diabetes.
- "Type 2 Diabetes Is a Reversible Condition." ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 13 Sept. 2017, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170913084432.htm.
- "Type 2 Diabetes." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 May 2019, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html.
- "Type 2 Diabetes." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351199.