Adult Type 2 Diabetes - Some Facts About the Disease

Adult type 2 diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes and non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is the most common type of diabetes. It is estimated that about seven percent of the U.S. population suffers from the disease and it is the sixth leading cause of death. Having adult type 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious and life altering complications including: Heart disease and stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, kidney failure, vision problems, foot ailments, hypoglycemia, sexual problems, skin and oral infections and depression.
The treatment of adult type 2 diabetes varies from person to person. Whether you have other active medical problems, whether you have complications of diabetes, and your age and general health at the time of diagnosis are all factors. It must be understood that the disease is not going away and a life long regimen of monitoring blood sugar, eating healthy foods, exercise, oral medication and sometimes, the self-injection of insulin will have to be implemented. The goal is to keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible to delay or prevent complications. In fact, tight control of blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of diabetes-related heart attacks and strokes by more than 50 percent.



Diet is an important consideration when you find you suffer from adult type 2 diabetes. Many people wrongly believe that eliminating all their favorite foods and snacks will be necessary, but moderation is the key. Dietary guidelines for those with diabetes is similar to what is recommended for everyone, but with more emphasis on control of weight and blood sugar. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of healthy foods, and implementing a good exercise program. Obesity is a leading risk factor for adult type 2 diabetes. Obesity is found in approximately 55% of patients diagnosed with the disease. Decrease your weight if it is too high. In addition to diabetes, obesity can lead to heart disease, stroke, hypertension, hypothyroidism, congestive heart failure, gout, pregnancy complications and many other problems.
Exercise is of primary importance in the prevention and management of adult type 2 diabetes. Exercise helps keep blood glucose levels down and has other health benefits, as well. Prevention of the disease will require measures to promote exercise and reduce obesity. Symptoms of adult type 2 diabetes can begin so gradually that a person may not be concerned at first. Symptoms include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, increased appetite, unexplained fatigue, slow healing cuts, bruises, and wounds, frequent or lingering infections.
Until about 10 years ago, children who were diagnosed with diabetes typically had type 1, or juvenile-onset diabetes. However, more and more children today are being diagnosed with type 2. Although this is still a fairly infrequent occurrence, medical professionals are concerned because of the rise in childhood obesity.
Adult type 2 diabetes is a life long illness. The risk of getting it increases dramatically if you are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle and have a family history of the disease. It is important to have annual checkups with blood work and always be on the lookout for the symptoms.

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