Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot properly store and use fuel for energy. The body’s main fuel is a form of sugar called glucose, which comes from food (after it has been broken down). Glucose enters the blood and is used by cells for energy. To use glucose, the body needs a hormone called insulin that’s made by the pancreas. Insulin is important because it allows glucose to leave the blood and enter the body’s cells.
Diabetes develops when the body can’t make any or enough insulin, and/or when it can’t properly use the insulin it makes. For some people with diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin. In these cases, insulin is still produced, but the body does not respond to the effects of insulin as it should. This is called insulin resistance. Whether from not enough insulin or the inability to use insulin properly, the result is high levels of glucose in the blood, or hyperglycemia.
There are 2 main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. About 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It used to be called adult onset diabetes, however, more and more children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes due to the rise in obesity.
Some people do not have diabetes but have higher-than-normal blood glucose levels. This is called prediabetes. This is more common in adults over the age of 65. Many people with prediabetes will eventually develop type 2 diabetes, but they can potentially delay or prevent this by making lifestyle changes.
In type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin and/or the body does not use it properly. No one knows the exact cause of type 2 diabetes, but it’s more likely to occur in people who:
The main goal of diabetes management is to maintain blood glucose levels within the normal range as much as possible. Weight control, diet, and exercise are all important components of management. The most important and main treatment for type 2 diabetes is nutritional.
Although some people with this type of diabetes are thin, the majority of people (90%) are overweight. Losing even 5% to 10% of your body weight can help lower blood glucose levels. For many people, following a healthy diet and an exercise program may be all that is needed to help control glucose levels. For others, healthy eating and exercise alone aren’t enough to lower blood glucose levels.
They may need to take medications in order to keep glucose levels within a healthy range. Medications for type 2 diabetes are usually taken by mouth or given as injections, and should always be used as prescribed by the doctor. However, if blood glucose is not controlled by medications, a doctor may recommend insulin injections.
There are several types of diabetes medications which work to lower blood glucose:
Doctors may recommend one or more types of medications to help control diabetes. While taking medications, it’s important for people with diabetes to regularly monitor their glucose levels at home. There are many different glucose monitoring systems available on the market. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist about these devices to help you select the best device for your needs.
As part of proper diabetes management, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of abnormal blood glucose levels and know how to properly monitor your blood glucose levels using a home glucose meter. You should remember to always keep glucose tablets or candies containing sugar with you at all times to manage low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Symptoms of low blood glucose include:
To prevent complications, it’s important to follow your diabetes management plan with a well-balanced diet and exercise. If you take medications for your diabetes, it is important to take them exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and prevent some of the long-term complications:
Foot care: Poor circulation and nerve damage caused by diabetes reduce sensitivity in the feet. It’s important to check your feet regularly, looking for any blisters, cuts, or sores. Always keep your feet clean and dry and protect them by wearing socks and comfortable shoes. A foot exam should be done at least once a year.
Eye care: Eye problems (retinopathy) due to diabetes can lead to blindness. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) every 1 to 2 years. If you treat problems early, you can avoid serious complications.
Skin care: High blood glucose and poor circulation can lead to skin problems such as slow healing after an injury or frequent infections. Make sure to wash every day with a mild soap and warm water, protect your skin by using sunscreen, take good care of any cuts or scrapes with proper cleansing and bandaging, and see your doctor when cuts heal slowly or if an infection develops.
Immunizations: It is important for people with diabetes to get an influenza vaccine annually and to stay up to date on their pneumococcal vaccine, as well as other routine vaccines, to help prevent illness.
Education: People with diabetes should learn as much as possible about this condition and how to manage it. The more you know about your condition, the better prepared you are to manage it on a daily basis. Many hospitals offer diabetes education programs and many nurses and pharmacists have been certified to provide diabetes education. Contact a local hospital, doctor, or pharmacist to find out about programs and diabetes educators in your area.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Type-2-Diabetes
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