Type 2 Sugar Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association more than 25 million people suffer from some form of diabetes. The most commonly diagnosed form of diabetes is type 2. Millions of individuals suffer from diabetic symptoms each year simply because they have not recognized the symptoms or sought medical treatment.
What is Diabetes Type 2?
Type 2 is caused by one of two possible issues within the body.
- The body produces too small a quantity of insulin.
- The cells of the body do not recognize the presence of insulin.
The body produces glucose by breaking down the sugars and starches from food. It then uses insulin in the process of converting the glucose into energy. If the body cannot use the glucose it will buildup in the blood and cause health related issues.
Complications of Excess Blood Glucose
If glucose builds up in the blood the body is deprived the energy it needs to function. If the condition is not addressed, glucose levels in the blood will continue to rise, causing a wide variety of symptoms.
- Hunger and thirst
- Weight loss or gain
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Frequent urination
- Infections
- Blurry vision
- Inability to heal
- Tingling and numbness in the extremities
High Risk Groups
Certain individuals have a higher risk than others for developing type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include nationality, heredity and overall health.
- African Americans
- Asian Americans
- Native Americans
- Hawaiians
- Pacific Islanders
- Elderly individuals
- Overweight individuals
- Sedentary individuals
- Individuals with a family history of diabetes
Diabetes Testing
The A1C test measures the blood glucose level over a period of time. This test assists doctors in determining if an individual is prediabetic. It is also used as a tool to monitor the success of diabetic treatment.
Preventing Diabetes
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise
- Eat a healthy diet
- Eat sugary or high fat foods in moderation
Visit the American Diabetes Association website to utilize their risk assessment tool. It only takes minutes to answer the few simple questions. From the home page, select the "Diabetes Basics" tab. Click on "Risk Test."