Type 2
When the body doesn't produce enough insulin or does not use it properly or efficiently, type 2 (or insulin-resistant) diabetes develops. Insulin is the body's gatekeeper that assures that blood glucose, or blood sugar, is handled properly. When the body's response to insulin is ineffective, glucose builds up in the blood and your body passes it through. As diabetes develops, other health problems, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, are also likely to occur.
Often, type 2 symptoms develop gradually, so people may have the disease for months or years before it is diagnosed. Most people who develop type 2 diabetes first exhibit signs of pre-diabetes, with blood glucose levels elevated but below the diabetes range.
Type 2 is most often diagnosed in overweight adults age 40+ with a family history of diabetes, however, it is becoming increasingly common in younger people, especially adolescents. Recent research on obesity in children also indicates there is an increased risk of hybrid or double diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes who become overweight and have high blood pressure are at risk of developing type 2 as well. Also, certain racial and ethnic groups - African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Latinos and Native Americans - are more prone to diabetes.
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Thursday
November 20, 2008
Tip of the Day
Regular exercise increases the number of insulin receptor sites on cells, making the body more sensitive to insulin.
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