Diabetes Type 2

Type 2 diabetes can be described a one of the most common forms of diabetes that exists today. It need to be understood that what happens to an individual when he suffers from type 2 diabetes is that he would not be able to produce enough insulin, which is needed for the body in order to be able to use sugar effectively, or perhaps his cells would ignore the insulin that his body is producing. It would help to remember the important fact that it is sugar that provides energy for the body, and unless the sugar is absorbed and taken in to the body and to the blood and thereafter to the cells by the insulin, the individual would suffer from glucose build up. This can be extremely dangerous for the person, who is stated to be suffering from the dreaded Type 2 diabetes. Two major problems are caused by the disorder: the cells may become starved for energy, as the energy is not processed in a proper manner. On the other hand, the higher levels of blood glucose may end up harming the internal organs of the person, causing great irreversible damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. (American Diabetes Association, 2007a) Immediately after one has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, one cannot help but feel a sense of panic, but the fact is that the disease is easily manageable and people with diabetes have lived full and healthy lives, without any major complications, provided they manage the disease well. The generally prescribed goals for a diabetic patient would be 80 to 120 before meals, while a level of 140 could mean an impending danger. Experts state that exercise may be one of the most effective means of minimizing the risk of type 2 diabetes complications. (Valentine; Biermann; Toohey, 1998) A proper diet, leading to an optimum weight is also very important in diabetes management, and it is an undeniable fact that obesity would cause several risks to one’s health, chiefly among them being cardio vascular disease, risk for blood pressure, and diabetes.

References: 1. American Diabetes Association. (2007a) “Type 2 Diabetes” http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes.jsp 2. American Diabetes Association. (2007b) “Diabetes, heart disease and stroke, taking care of your heart” Retrieved 4 November, 2007 from 7. N. A. (2003) “Psychological aspects of diabetes” Clinical Practice Guidelines. http://www.diabetes.ca/cpg2003/downloads/psychological.pdf 8