Type 2 Diabetes

About 90 percent of diabetics have Type 2 diabetes

Also known as Non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is a chronic disease which occurs when there is too much glucose found in a person’s blood. About 90 percent of diabetics have Type 2 diabetes. 

In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, made in the beta cells of the pancreas.  Insulin is used to transport glucose, a simple sugar, into the cells of the body but the insulin is unable to be taken into the cells due to a lack of function in the cells receptors. This glucose is used by the cells as fuel, and is necessary for normal body functions. If the cells can’t get the glucose that they need, it cannot be used as energy and is left stuck in the blood stream.  Since the problem with Type 2 diabetes lies in processing the insulin that is being made, the pancreas cannot determine what is wrong and steps up insulin production to try and make up for it. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, with Type I diabetes being present in as few as 3% of all new diabetes diagnoses.

It is commonly found in obese adults over age 45.  But it is also possible for younger patients to have Type 2 diabetes. The reason for this is that fat may cause cells in the body to create an insulin resistance. Since the cells cannot receive insulin, the sugar we ingest remains in the bloodstream, just as in Type I diabetes. To aid Type 2, weight loss and oral medications are the most commonly prescribed solutions.

While Type I diabetes has a sudden onset, Type 2 diabetes occurs gradually. It is often found to occur in conjunction with obesity. The buildup of glucose in the bloodstream can result in a condition known as hyperglycemia. When people have an insulin resistance, which is the common cause of Type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar levels are commonly found as well. People that are obese have a high risk of insulin resistance due to the fact that high levels of fat can interfere with the body’s insulin usage. Although this condition is commonly found in the overweight, thin people can also develop the disease and be a Type 2 diabetic. Elderly people are also very at risk for developing Type 2. Other key factors that may determine a person’s risk for Type 2 diabetes include the following:

Excessive body fat, especially when found around the waist area
A history of having gestational diabetes
A HDL cholesterol level that is above 250mg/dL or one that is lower than 35mg/dL
Being older than 45 years of age
Poor diet, and low levels of exercise
Being African-American, Hispanic, or Native American

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