Diabetes type 2 - Causes and Prevention

 

 

The most important thing there is to know about this condition is that the Diabetes mellitus type 2 is one specific metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by 3 characteristic symptoms:

The condition is also known as diabetes mellitus type II, non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), obesity related diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes. Unfortunately- presently there is no cure for this condition what so ever! Why it became so important to know something about this condition? Well, the worrying fact is that this condition is rapidly increasing in the developed world, and there is some evidence that this pattern will be followed in much of the rest of the world in coming years. That’s why- scientists like to say that the Diabetes has characterized the increase as an epidemic.

Everyone should know that the three main kinds of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

It is important to know that this Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. That’s why some call it – juvenile diabetes! What are the main characteristics of this form? Well, it is simple- the beta cells of the pancreas make no insulin because the body’s immune system has destroyed them. That’s why the treatment for type 1 diabetes is based on replacing the insulin by taking insulin shots or using an insulin pump.

Everyone should know that this Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and what’s characteristic- people can develop this type of diabetes at any age, even during childhood. What are the main characteristics? Well, this form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance and at first; the pancreas keeps up with producing more insulin. This lasts only for a while but after some time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.  

It is known fact that some, not all, women develop gestational diabetes late in pregnancy. This form of diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. Several researches done in the past have shown that although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the delivery- this woman is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Several researches done recently have came to the number that about 90-95% of all North American cases of diabetes are type 2, and about 20% of the population over the age of 65 has diabetes mellitus type 2. It is also important thing to know that the incidence and frequency of type 2 diabetics in other parts of the world varies substantially because of environmental and lifestyle reasons.

Every patient should be aware of fact that genetic factors, usually polygenic, are present in great majority of them. Of course- scientists believe that some environmental factors such as obesity, lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle could also contribute to insulin resistance. What exactly is insulin resistance? Well, it is a condition when body cells do not respond appropriately when insulin is present. Although it may sound simple- scientists are saying that this is far more complex problem than type 1, but is sometimes easier to treat, especially in the initial years when insulin is often still being produced internally. If we talk about possible causes of this metabolic disorder, then we should know that diabetes mellitus type 2 is presently of unknown etiology. Diabetes mellitus with a known etiology, such as secondary to other diseases, known gene defects, trauma or surgery, or the effects of drugs, is more appropriately called secondary diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is often associated with:

 

Patients must understand that scientists don't fully understand why some people get type 2 diabetes and others don't. However-several researches done in the past have proven that certain factors increase risk. These factors are:

There is no doubt- several researches have proven that being overweight is one of the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes. There is one rule- the more fatty tissue a patient has, the more resistant his or hers cells become to its own insulin. Not only that- it is also proven that it depends on where the weight is distributed. That’s why- weight is considered to be very important factor!

If we talk about activity- then we should know that there is one general rule- The less active patient is, the greater risk of type 2 diabetes is present. How come? Well, the explanation is simple- physical activity has several important functions such as: helps control weight, uses up glucose, makes cells more sensitive to insulin, increases blood flow and improves circulation in the blood vessels.  

Several researches done in the past have proven that the risk of type 2 diabetes increases significantly if the patient has a parent with the disease.  

There is also an expressed correlation between age and onset of the disease. It is proven that the risk of type 2 diabetes increases as the patient gets older, especially after age 45. Unfortunately- this isn’t some rule because diabetes is also increasing dramatically among children and adolescents.

Several researches done in the past have shown that people of some races are more likely to develop diabetes, although scientists can’t really explain this.  

Although for some unknown reasons- it is shown that depression seems to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Experts believe that it could be possibly because people with depression often gain weight and are inactive.

 

If we would want to talk about effective management of diabetes type 2 then we should know that controlling blood sugar is essential to feeling healthy and avoiding long-term complications of type 2 diabetes. The fact is also that some people are able to control their blood sugar with diet and exercise alone, while others need to take medications.

 

It is important to know that these medications stimulate human pancreas to produce and release more insulin.  Most commonly used medications of this kind are second generation sulfonylureas such as glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase, Micronase) and glimepiride (Amaryl). Are there any side effects? Well, the most common side effect is low blood sugar.

Well, every patient has heard about these medications, because they are very specific- extremely effective but they're not as likely to lead to low blood sugar. One of the most common is repaglinide (Prandin).

Every patient has also probably heard about Metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR) - only drug in this class available in the United States. What is the Metformin’s mechanism of action? Well, it works by inhibiting the production and release of glucose from patient’s liver, which means that the patient will logically need less insulin to transport blood sugar into your cells. It also has some side effects such as metallic taste in mouth, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal bloating, or pain, gas and diarrhea.  

It is a well known fact that these medications block the action of enzymes in human digestive tract that break down carbohydrates. What does this mean? Well, it is simple- the less sugar is absorbed into bloodstream. This could be extremely helpful because it prevent the rapid rise in blood sugar that usually occurs right after a meal. Most common medications of this drug class are acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset).  

Unfortunately, things can get a big complicated! The fact is that some people with type 2 diabetes must take insulin every day. This happens when they need to replace what their pancreas is unable to produce. Bad thing is that, unlike other medications-insulin can't be taken in pill form because enzymes in stomach break it down. 

 

Best way to prevent diabetes type 2 is to make some healthy lifestyle choices can. Some experts are saying that even in the cases when diabetes runs in family, diet and exercise can help a patient to prevent the disease. Not only that! Those diagnosed with Diabetes can also benefit from making healthy lifestyle changes by preventing potentially serious complications.

Eating healthy foods is crucial thing in prevention which means that only foods low in fat and calories should be eaten and focus should be on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Physical activity is another key point of prevention because losing excess pounds could be extremely important! This could be difficult and that’s why- in order to keep weight in a healthy range, patient should focus on permanent changes to eating and exercise habits.