DUST ON THE BIBLE

Type 2 Diabetes

(Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus; Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus)

Definition

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which the body does not make enough insulin or does not properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body convert food into energy. Without insulin, glucose (sugar) from the food you eat cannot enter cells. This causes glucose to build up in the blood. Meanwhile, your body tissues are starved for energy.

Long-term, high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and other tissues.

The Pancreas

Causes

Two conditions contribute to type 2 diabetes:

Insulin resistance related to excess body fat (in this case, the body is unable to effectively use the insulin it produces)
Failure of the body to make an adequate amount of insulin

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Age: 40 or older
Obesity or being overweight (especially excess weight in the upper body and abdomen)
Lack of physical activity
Family members with type 2 diabetes
History of gestational diabetes
History of impaired glucose tolerance
Race: Black, Hispanic, Native-American, Asian-American or Pacific Islander
Polycystic ovary syndrome

Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes may not produce symptoms for years.

Symptoms include:

Weight loss
Increased urination
Extreme thirst
Hunger
Fatigue
Blurry vision
Irritability
Frequent or recurring infections
Cuts healing slowly
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
In women: frequent vaginal yeast infections
Problems with gums
Itching
Impotence

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Diagnosis is based on the results of blood tests and other criteria, including:

Symptoms of diabetes and a random blood test revealing a blood sugar level greater than or equal to 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl)
Blood sugar tests after you have not eaten for eight or more hours that reveal blood sugar levels greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl on two different days
A glucose tolerance test measuring blood sugar two hours after you consume glucose with a reading greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl

Treatment

Diabetes treatment aims to maintain blood sugar at levels as close to normal as possible. Regular medical care is essential for preventing or delaying complications.

Diet

Follow a balanced meal plan, eating consistent and moderate amounts of food at regular times.
Do not skip meals.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
Eat limited amounts of fat.
Eat moderate amounts of protein and low-fat dairy products.
Carefully limit foods containing sugar, which may be included as part of a balanced diet plan.
Eat a bedtime snack with protein and a starchy food.
Keep a record of your food intake to help a dietitian or doctor advise based on your nutritional needs.

Weight Loss

If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about a reasonable weight goal and a safe diet program.

Exercise

Physical activity helps the body use blood sugar. It will also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, and lower the levels of fat in your blood. Follow your doctor's recommendations for activity levels and restrictions.

Blood Sugar Testing

Checking blood sugar levels during the day helps you track the amount of glucose in your blood. Testing is easy with a blood glucose monitor. Keep a record of the results to show the doctor. Your treatment plan may change based on your test results.

Oral Medication

Taken by mouth, these drugs work to lower blood sugar by:

Prompting the body to make more insulin
Helping the body better use insulin
Helping decrease the amount of glucose released into the blood

Insulin

Injections of insulin supplement the insulin produced by the body. Insulin injections are needed when blood sugar levels are not kept low enough with diet, exercise, and medication.

Prevention

Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your chance of developing type 2 diabetes. If you are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or have prediabetes ask your doctor if taking a drug such as metformin may help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

RESOURCES:

American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/

Sources:

American Diabetes Association

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Last reviewed January 2004 by Elizabeth Smoots, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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