Type II diabetes is defined by the inability of the body to process glucose even though the body is still producing insulin on its own.
Causes
There are no known causes for diabetes but there are several risk factors for Type II diabetes that should not be ignored. If you are obese, sedentary, Hispanic, African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander or an Alaska native you’re at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
In addition, genetics play a major factor. If you have a family history of diabetes, such as a mom, dad, brother or sister, you are more likely to develop it. People who have been diagnosed as glucose intolerant or insulin resistant also have a higher chance of developing Type II diabetes.
Symptoms
There are a variety of symptoms to look out for regarding diabetes. The main problem is that these symptoms, while mostly the same as for Type I diabetes, are usually mild and often go unnoticed until real damage is done. If you have any risk factors at all, whether you notice issues or not, it’s important to be tested regularly. Symptoms to look out for include:
* Unexplained weight loss
* Extreme thirst
* Frequent urination
* Excessive hunger
* Fatigue
* Blurry vision
* Wounds that won’t heal
* Nerve pain or tingly feet
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t delay your trip to the doctor to get checked out.
Diagnosis
If you’re over the age of 45, you’re more likely to develop Type II diabetes if you have any of the other risk factors, but even if you don’t, be sure to start getting tested for diabetes every year at your regular doctor’s office. It’s a simple test and one you’ll be glad you got.
All you need to do is do a fasting blood glucose test. No eating for eight hours before the blood test, and you’re good to go. If your blood sugar shows a problem, you may need to do other tests but nothing too invasive to determine if you have Type II diabetes.
Treatment
Each patient is different so it’s hard to say what your treatment regimen will be. But, it will include lifestyle changes as well as potential medication. The best thing you can do is listen to your doctor.
Unlike Type I diabetes, with Type II you have the opportunity to do a complete change of lifestyle, changing your diet drastically as well as your exercise regimen to potentially reverse the disease. Seek the help of your health care provider to go the lifestyle route over the mediation route and you won’t be sorry.
Type II diabetes is treatable and with the help of the right diet along with a healthy amount of exercise, you can reverse your disease – possibly becoming healthier than before.