Diabetes: Type 2
There are many of you who are asking the question: what is diabetes? In this article, I will provide a basic overview on the definition, the causes, symptoms, diagnosing procedure and how to prevent diabetes. There are two types: type 1 and type 2. Since type 2 is more prevalent for women over 40, this will be our focus. In the near future, there will be more articles on type 2. Type 2 is a disorder that happens when your body does not make enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly. The inability to use your insulin is called insulin resistance. This problem with insulin causes the level of sugar in your blood to become abnormally high. When you digest food, your body breaks down much of the food into sugar (glucose). Your blood carries the sugar to the cells of your body for energy. The pancreas gland makes insulin, which helps move the sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. What is Type 2? When your body does not have enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly, sugar cannot get into your cells. Sugar builds up in your blood. Too much sugar in your blood can cause many problems which can be life-threatening if they are not treated. However, proper treatment can control your blood-sugar level. Type 2 occurs mostly in adults over age 40, especially overweight adults. More of us are becoming diabetic as more of us become overweight. So far, I have been able to control my type 2 with diet. It can be done but it's not easy. However, I'd rather do that than inject insulin for the rest of my life! Millions of people in the U.S. are diabetic and have type 2. Although type 2 occurs in all races, it occurs most often among Native Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asian Americans. Women who have given birth to large babies over 9 pounds, or who have had diabetes of pregnancy (gestational diabetes), have a higher risk of developing type 2 later in life. I think this is so unfair but some times these things happen to us. Also, if your parents have had type 2, your chance of developing type 2 is much higher. This is very true. And by the way, if you have a family history of Type 2, you should get your blood sugar checked every year. In the beginning you may have no symptoms. Diagnosing type 2: Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history, your symptoms and examine you. She/he will test the level of sugar in your blood. Two blood tests may be done to diagnose type 2: the fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) also known as fasting blood sugar (FBS). The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the second diagnostic blood test. A sample of your blood is tested in the morning before you have eaten anything. If this test shows you have a fasting blood sugar of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more, you may be diabetic. Often a second test will be done after you have fasted since your evening meal and all night. If this second test confirms your high blood sugar, your provider will diagnose type 2.
For the glucose tolerance test, a sample of your blood is taken when you have not eaten anything since the night before. Then you drink a special high sugar drink and your blood is tested 2 hours again later. If after 2 hours your blood sugar level is 200 mg/dL or higher, you are diabetic. How to Prevent type 2? Even if there is a history of type 2 in your family, you may be able to avoid developing the disease if you: Women Over 40 Health For more information on Diabetes, visit:
New-treatment-for-diabetes-types.com - Natural Cure For Diabetes!
More on Diabetes by others: diabeteswellbeing Provides great comprehensive information on living well with diabetes (type 1, type 2 and pre-diabetes). How to better exercise, diet, and achieve proper weight loss (including diabetes diet reviews and glucose meter reviews).
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