What Is It?
Previously known as non-insulin dependent diabetes or maturity onset diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is essentially a disorder of middle age onwards. However, with the increase in childhood obesity in recent years there have been increasing reports of this form of diabetes in much younger age groups. Therein lies a clue to the origin of this disorder. Because Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to obesity. As the rates of obesity have soared over the last twenty years or so, so in tandem has the incidence of Type 2 diabetes.
The underlying factor leading to Type 2 diabetes is a failure of the pancreas to produce sufficient insulin – the blood glucose controlling hormone. This may be for one or both of two reasons. The first that there are insufficient insulin-producing cells in the pancreas to meet demands. The second that there is resistance by the body’s target cells to the insulin which is produced, thus requiring increasing amounts to ensure effect. Either way the ultimate poverty of effect of insulin is related to over weight or obesity.
What happens if insulin does not work effectively?
One of the main actions of insulin is to help regulate blood sugar (or to be precise, blood glucose) levels. It achieves this in part by promoting uptake of sugar by cells e.g. muscle cells. Insufficient action of insulin leads to a reduction in sugar uptake and therefore causes an abnormal rise in blood sugar. The result: the symptoms of diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
There are a number of symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes, the most common are:
- Excessive thirst
- Passing of excessive amounts of urine
- Fatigue
- Frequent skin infections e.g. boils
- Itchiness
Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
Typically your doctor will make a diagnosis of diabetes based upon your symptoms and the results of a simple blood test. The latter will assess your blood sugar levels. A blood sample is typically taken after your have fasted overnight.
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