A Closer Look at Type 2 Diabetes
We've all heard about diabetes and may even know someone suffering from it.
It is perhaps one of the more common diseases known to many.
So what actually happens inside the body of a diabetic? Is there a cause for alarm once diagnosed with this disease? And is there still a cure? Here's a quick guide to diabetes and the functions of the human body related to it.
In simple terms, diabetes is a disease where the body fails to regulate the quantity of sugar or glucose in the blood.
The pancreas is the human organ that produces insulin to control sugar levels in the body.
However, a diabetic may have too little insulin, a resistance to it, or both causing erratic changes in blood sugar levels.
A great deal of what you eat is broken down into a form of sugar called glucose- this is the main source of energy to fuel your body for activities.
Glucose is supplied across the body through your blood.
Now, it is the role of insulin to move glucose from the blood into cells, muscles, and fat to be used as energy.
However, in the case of diabetes, glucose remains in the bloodstream either because there is too little insulin from the pancreas to aid the transfer of sugar from blood to cells, or body cells simply do not respond to insulin as they should.
The result is having too much glucose or sugar build up in the blood.
There are two common types of diabetes-type 1 and type 2.
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces very little to no insulin at all.
Making it impossible to regulate blood sugar levels.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body is having a hard time or is completely unable to use insulin as it should.
Doctors often refer to this type as 'insulin resistant'.
In this case, the pancreas over secretes insulin to cope with the body's need.
People who are overweight are more likely to develop this condition because too much fat makes it all the more difficult for the body to use insulin.
Type 2 diabetes run in family genes, as research have shown strong genetic links with this condition.
But other risk factors that increase possibilities of developing type 2 diabetes are: • History of high blood pressure • High levels of fat in the blood • A regular diet that's high in fat • Too much alcohol intake • Inactive lifestyle and lack of exercise • Unhealthy lifestyle characterized by stress • Overweight • Ethnicity: African American, Hispanic Americans, and Japanese Americans may have higher risks of type 2 diabetes.
• Body aging Diabetes when neglected may lead to more serious health complications such as kidney disease, heart attack, eye disorders, trouble with the nervous system, and stroke.
To manage your blood sugar levels daily, regular self-testing with a device called 'glucometer' helps you monitor your sugar levels.
Depending on the results you get, you will be guided on how to go about your meals, medications, and activities.
There is no cure for diabetes.
But treatments to help control blood sugar levels include proper medication, healthy diet, regular exercise, and a generally healthy lifestyle.
It is perhaps one of the more common diseases known to many.
So what actually happens inside the body of a diabetic? Is there a cause for alarm once diagnosed with this disease? And is there still a cure? Here's a quick guide to diabetes and the functions of the human body related to it.
In simple terms, diabetes is a disease where the body fails to regulate the quantity of sugar or glucose in the blood.
The pancreas is the human organ that produces insulin to control sugar levels in the body.
However, a diabetic may have too little insulin, a resistance to it, or both causing erratic changes in blood sugar levels.
A great deal of what you eat is broken down into a form of sugar called glucose- this is the main source of energy to fuel your body for activities.
Glucose is supplied across the body through your blood.
Now, it is the role of insulin to move glucose from the blood into cells, muscles, and fat to be used as energy.
However, in the case of diabetes, glucose remains in the bloodstream either because there is too little insulin from the pancreas to aid the transfer of sugar from blood to cells, or body cells simply do not respond to insulin as they should.
The result is having too much glucose or sugar build up in the blood.
There are two common types of diabetes-type 1 and type 2.
In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces very little to no insulin at all.
Making it impossible to regulate blood sugar levels.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin but the body is having a hard time or is completely unable to use insulin as it should.
Doctors often refer to this type as 'insulin resistant'.
In this case, the pancreas over secretes insulin to cope with the body's need.
People who are overweight are more likely to develop this condition because too much fat makes it all the more difficult for the body to use insulin.
Type 2 diabetes run in family genes, as research have shown strong genetic links with this condition.
But other risk factors that increase possibilities of developing type 2 diabetes are: • History of high blood pressure • High levels of fat in the blood • A regular diet that's high in fat • Too much alcohol intake • Inactive lifestyle and lack of exercise • Unhealthy lifestyle characterized by stress • Overweight • Ethnicity: African American, Hispanic Americans, and Japanese Americans may have higher risks of type 2 diabetes.
• Body aging Diabetes when neglected may lead to more serious health complications such as kidney disease, heart attack, eye disorders, trouble with the nervous system, and stroke.
To manage your blood sugar levels daily, regular self-testing with a device called 'glucometer' helps you monitor your sugar levels.
Depending on the results you get, you will be guided on how to go about your meals, medications, and activities.
There is no cure for diabetes.
But treatments to help control blood sugar levels include proper medication, healthy diet, regular exercise, and a generally healthy lifestyle.
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