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Type II diabetes is the most common form of this serious disease.
This type occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin or
the body cannot use the insulin it does produce efficiently enough
to process the sugar into energy for the cells to use. The sugar
builds up in the bloodstream and passes out in the urine. However,
high blood sugar can damage your organs and increases your chance of
having a heart attack or stroke, so immediate treatment is
necessary.
The cause of diabetes is unknown, but there are identifiable
factors that contribute to type II diabetes. The first factor is
genetics; if you have one or more people in your immediate family
who has diabetes, you are at risk. Secondary family members with
diabetes are a factor, too. Your heritage is important; Asian
Americans, African Americans, Latinos, Pacific Islanders and Native
American peoples are all more likely to have diabetes. Other risk
factors include lifestyle; those who lead a sedentary lifestyle are
at higher risk. Obesity, especially if body weight is carried around
the waist, is another contributing factor. Increased fat increases
the cells’ insulin resistance.
There are certain signs or symptoms to watch for if you are at
risk for type II diabetes. Increased thirst and hunger, even after
eating, dry mouth, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision,
headaches and unexplained weight loss are all symptoms of diabetes.
Because these symptoms can be so subtle, people can have diabetes
for years without knowing it. That is why once diabetes is diagnosed
it is so important to start treatment.
The initial treatment for type II diabetes is lifestyle change.
Doctors and other healthcare professionals will send the patient to
a registered dietician to work on menu and meal planning based on
the diabetic food pyramid. This healthy eating plan combined with an
exercise program that includes as little as 30 minutes of exercise a
day, 5 days a week can have quick results, requiring no medications.
Type II diabetes is a serious diagnosis and one that requires
active participation in a treatment plan from the patient, but it
does not have to be debilitating. By getting your blood sugar levels
maintained at a normal level, severe complications can be avoided.
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