What is Diabetes Type 2--An Overview

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 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes 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 diabetes? 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 diabetes 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 diabetes. Although type 2 diabetes occurs in all races, it occurs most often among Native Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asian Americans.

What causes diabetes?

The cause of type 2 diabetes is not known, although age, weight, lack of exercise, and a high-calorie diet appear to be important factors. As people become older or overweight, they are more likely to have diabetes. Their cells become unable to use the insulin made by the pancreas. I believe menopause contributed to my diabetes.
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 diabetes 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 diabetes, your chance of developing type 2 diabetes is much higher. This is very true. And by the way, if you have a family history of diabetes, you should get your blood sugar checked every year.

Symptoms of adult diabetes:

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 diabetes: 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 diabetes.
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 Diabetes?
Even if there is a history of diabetes in your family, you may be able to avoid developing the disease if you:

Click on the links below for more helpful facts on diabetes:
The Atkins Diet and Diabetes

Pre-diabetes diet, Diabetes Control Diet and How to Control Diabetes

Facts About Type 2 Diabetes

Back to top of What is Diabetes Type 2--An Overview