Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, which was formerly called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood when the cells in the body do not use insulin properly. Eventually, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the body's needs. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves the blood vessels, leading to complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. We will discuss the complications of diabetes in more detail later in the blog.

With type 2 diabetes, cells become numb to the action of insulin. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells in the body fat, muscle, and liver cells do not use insulin properly. When cells become resistant to insulin, the level of glucose in the blood stays high. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. Over time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.

Because glucose cannot enter the cells, the cells then think that there is no glucose in the blood. As a result, the cells send a signal to the liver, prompting it to release any stored glucose is has into the bloodstream. As the body tries to compensate and shuttle glucose into the cells, the pancreas secretes more insulin. Because insulin isn't able to perform its function, blood increase, they slowly damage other cells in the body. If not controlled over the long term, this can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and amputation. High glucose levels in the blood also escape through the kidneys, bringing with it water leading to dehydration. Severe dehydration can result in hyperosmolic nonketotic diabetic coma, a life-threatening complication.
Being overweight and inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Treatment includes taking diabetes medicines, making wise food choices, exercising regularly, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.