So, What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

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There are two main types of diabetes they are type 1 and type 2. Type 2 is the most common type and accounts for as much as 90-95 percent of all cases of diabetes reported annually. Although more common in adults, it can also affect children as well and is being seen more frequently in today's society. This type of diabetes is typically associated with low activity levels as well as obesity which are growing more common in children today this is attributed to the rise of type 2 diabetes cases in diabetic children.
In the past it was commonly referred to as non-insulin dependent
diabetes because sufferers of type 2 are able to produce insulin unlike those who suffer from type 1. However, although the body is still able to produce insulin with type 2, it either is not able to produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use the insulin within the body correctly which is commonly referred to as insulin resistance.

When this occurs the insulin within the body cannot enter into the cells of the body which causes glucose to build up within the body leading to elevated glucose levels and the improper functioning of the body's cells which can lead to a wide variety of health problems for patients. Some of the most common problems associated with this disease are heart attack and stroke due to the hardening of the large arteries, dehydration, diabetic coma, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, longer healing time of cuts and bruises and even death if left untreated.

Type 2 diabetes is not typically caused by a single reason and is thought to be caused by a combination of factors. Some of the factors which are thought to increase the likelihood of type 2 diabetes are being over the age of 45, being overweight or obese, a family history of type 2 diabetes, limited or no physical activity, high blood pressure, history of pre-diabetes or gestational diabetes and even your racial or ethnic background. People who are of African American, American Indian, Hispanic or Asian ethnic groups or more prone to developing type 2 diabetes.

Although diabetes can run in families, there is no one genetic factor which can be attributed to the cause of the onset of type 2 diabetes. When seen in children it is most commonly caused by being overweight due to unhealthy eating patterns and a lack of physical activity and unhealthy lifestyle. Although being overweight in general can contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes both adults and children who have excess abdominal fat are at more of a risk for developing this type of diabetes.

In both adults and children, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar and include symptoms such as frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, excessive thirst, itchy skin, slow healing, dry mouth, weight loss, tingling of the extremities and itchy skin. If you or your child experience any of these symptoms and have one or more of the associated risk factors it is wise to have your glucose levels checked by your Doctor.

Dwayne is the author of "Your Guide to Dealing with Diabetes". The Revolutionary "Lazy" way to reverse Type 2 Diabetes. http://dealingwithdiabetesguide.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dwayne_S_Tomkewich


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