Type 2 Diabetes Causes and Symptoms

Incidence of Diabetes is significantly increasing each year. Worse, many people do not even know that they  already have this condition.

What is Diabetes anyway?

Diabetes Mellitus, simply called Diabetes, is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased level of sugar in the blood. Furthermore, the body fails to metabolize sugar properly and effectively. Under normal conditions, the blood sugar is regulated by the insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas. When there is elevation in the blood sugar level, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin to maintain the blood sugar in normal level. In Diabetes, there can be defect in insulin production, insulin action, or both. It is categorized into two. Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by insufficient insulin production. Meanwhile, Type 2  Diabetes is a result of insulin’s inability to transport glucose into the cells for metabolism.

Type 2 diabetes is more common. While type 1 is acquired during childhood years and is linked with genetic factor, Type 2 usually  occurs later in life. What causes type 2 Diabetes? Obesity is one big risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Faulty eating habits is the main culprit for this disorder.  Excess fats in the body has the tendency to ‘surround’ cells, thereby interfering with the insulin’s action into the cell. The hormone insulin binds with glucose. It is supposed to transport the glucose inside the cell. In type 2 diabetes, the insulin together with the glucose cannot enter the cells because the cells are blocked by the excess fats in the body. Hence, the glucose remains in the blood circulation, resulting in high blood glucose level.

Many common symptoms are associated with the disorder. Frequent urination is one. This is due to presence of glucose in the urine, and glucose has the ability to pull out water. Frequent urination leads to dehydration. As a response to fluid loss, the body feels thirsty most of the time. Glucose serves as ‘food’ for the cells. Since glucose cannot enter any longer, the cells are deprived of food. Hence, diabetic patients always feel hungry. Profound weight loss is a very evident sign. This results from muscle wasting. Without glucose to provide them with energy, the cells resort to alternative sources of energy such as protein found in muscles.

If not managed well, diabetes can lead to more serious complications. Blurred to total loss of vision is a common complication. Other cases lead to lethargy and coma. Vital organs such as kidneys and heart can be affected as well that may lead to organ failure and death.

Management of Diabetes depends on its type and severity. Remember that Diabetes is a life-long disorder. There is absolutely no cure. Once you have it, there is nothing you can do to completely eliminate it. However, there are lots of things that you can do to slow down its progress. Type 1 diabetes is managed mainly with insulin together with exercise and proper diet. On the other hand, weight loss and exercise, along with diet, are the primary keys to type 2 diabetes control. With discipline and proper management,  living a life with Diabetes won’t have to be difficult.