Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)

            Diabetes is a broad aspect in knowing what type of disease you have. There is Diabetes Insipidious and Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and 2. I wanted to focus more on diabetes type 2 which is A chronic disorder of carbohydrates metabolism resulting from insufficient production of insulin or from inadequate utilization of this hormone by the body's cells. Insulin is produced by the beta cells within structures called “islets of Langerhans” which are scattered throughout the pancreas and they act to Lower Glucose. When our body is deprived of glucose the body cells begin to metabolize fats and proteins depositing high levels of wastes called Ketones in the blood causing a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Both Ketones and diabetic ketoacidosis are life threatening.

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus is still not known. For type 2 formally known as “non insulin dependent diabetes” little is known about how this form of the disease arises. However obesity and inactivity are primary factors and other risks factors are family members with diabetes, advancing age, and race. Blacks, Native Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes The American Diabetes Association reports about 4% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes.

The classic symptoms for this disease include Polyuria (excessive formation and discharge of urine), Glycosuria (glucose in the urine), Polydipsia (excessive thirst), Polyphagia (eating abnormally large amounts of food at mealtime). Those with type 2 diabetes experience symptoms such as hard to heal infections of the skin, gums, vagina or bladder due to poor blood circulation, blurred vision, and pruritis. Because type 2 diabetes has such gradual onset, individuals with this form of the disease often are asymptomatic when the disease is discovered. With them not having any signs or symptoms about this disease and are unaware.

In June 2009 an international committee including experts from the ADA (American Diabetes Association) the European association for the study of diabetes and the international diabetes federation recommended that testing for type 2 diabetes include, A1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) which shows the average level of blood glucose for the past 2-3 months. Measures percentage of blood glucose attached to hemoglobin, the part of the red cell that carries the oxygen. Random Blood Glucose Test: level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggest diabetes. There is also the Fasting Blood Glucose test: A blood test taken after an overnight fast with a blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL on two separate tests indicates diabetes (blood glucose of 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes)

A combination of a diet and exercise is used to treat most forms of diabetes mellitus. With type 2 diabetes everyone should follow a consistent pattern of monitoring blood glucose levels that are closely linked to the injection of insulin and may require medications. The goal is to keep the blood glucose level as close as possible to normal and self-management of the disease is the treatment goal for all forms of diabetes mellitus. Education and client compliance are essential for the control of diabetes. Patients can test there blood glucose levels, urine glucose and acetone at home to make modifications of their own health and diet. Everyone who has diabetes should seek regular medical supervision that is required. Complementary Therapy of Diabetes is having the proper diet and effective weight control. These both are essential for the treatment. A diet which should have high complex carbohydrates and fiber, whole grains, legumes, and vegetables is essential for a nutritional diet for a diabetic. Exercise is a must with this disease. Yoga, mediation, guided imagery, and biofeedback training is often suggested. The prognosis for an individual with diabetes can be uncertain even a well motivated individual following carefully balanced treatment may eventually be a victim to one or more of the life threatening late complications of diabetes. If detected early can be treated.

I wanted to learn a bit more about this subject because I have close friends that have type 1 and other who have type 2 diabetes. The other thing about wanting to study more on this disease is because I work in an OB/GYN office and see how we monitor any sort of diabetes during pregnancy. We always stay on top of things with our patients such as them checking their blood, educating them, and having them take the 1-hour to a three-hour glucose test to make sure our patients are treated with the proper care.