What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What is type 2 diabetes? Interestingly, this is the exact question many people ask their doctor when they are first diagnosed. What many people don't know is that diabetes type 2 is the most common classification of diabetes, afflicting 90-95% of diabetics.

For those who like facts and figures, you can read more Diabetes Statistics and the History of Diabetes- My Big Fat Greek Wedding? here.

With type 2, either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the cells cannot use or ignore the insulin (a condition called Insulin Resistance). Like type 1 diabetes, the unused glucose increases in the blood and is subsequently excreted in urine.

Former terms include: adult onset diabetes, obesity related diabetes, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Causes of Diabetes Type 2

There are no definitive causes of diabetes. It is not a contagious condition, unlike a cold or virus. Instead, certain ethnic groups or individual's characteristics tend to be risk factors.

High Type 2 Diabetes risk ethnic groups include:

• African Americans
• Hispanic and Latino Americans
• American Indians
• Some Asian Americans
• Native Hawaiians

Individual characteristics increasing risk include:

• Older Americans
• Obesity
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Genetic History
• Gestational Diabetes History

Warning Signs of Diabetes

Signs of type 2 diabetes develop much more gradually than type 1 diabetes. Symptoms may be mild or sporadic, taking years to diagnose. Signs of type 2 can include: fatigue, increased urination, increased thirst and/or hunger, slow healing of wounds or sores. Interestingly, some people show no outward signs of diabetes.

As such, a person should routinely screen for diabetes, particularly if he or she is in a high risk category. You can learn How is Diabetes Diagnosed here.

Like other forms, there are many diabetes complications with type 2, including, stroke, impotence, kidney failure, blindness, foot amputations, and heart disease, if not properly managed. One of the most common afflictions is Diabetes and Itchy Skin.

The primary diabetes treatment for type 2 is proper diet, exercise, medication, weight control and monitoring blood glucose levels. While there is no cure for diabetes, ongoing research and study, particularly stem cell research, is progressing well. This diabetes type is also unique because it may be preventable.

Other Diabetes Type 2 Information

Not only do common folks get the affliction, throughout history there are many Famous People and Celebrities with Diabetes. Other interesting tidbits include:

• Type 3 Diabetes. Who knew there was a Type 3?
• Different Types of Diabetes. We count at least 7 types!
• International Diabetes Center. Would you believe there are three different organizations using this name?

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