Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, or Diabetes
Mellitus, occurs when the body either cannot utilise the insulin it
produces or it fails to produce adequate insulin for its needs. This
means that the body is unable to regulate the amount of glucose in
the blood stream.
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This form of diabetes can be
very difficult to spot as there are few symptoms although,
as the condition worsens, sufferers often develop an
excessive thirst with the associated increase in the number
of visits to the bathroom. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes
include tiredness, weight loss, blurred vision, nausea,
increased appetite and problems with Candida.
During the digestion process
enzymes break carbohydrates down into glucose molecules. The
glucose is absorbed through the small intestine into the
blood for distribution around the body where it is utilised
by cells for energy and repair. Glucose can also be stored
by the liver and released at times when insufficient glucose
has been ingested for the body’s immediate requirements e.g.
during periods of exercise.
Insulin is a hormone that is
produced by the pancreas and released each time food is
taken into the body. |
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Insulin is required to
control the level of sugar in the blood and it is also required
by the cells of the body in order that they can convert the
glucose into energy.
It is important that glucose
levels in the blood supply remain within a constant range. When
there is an inadequate supply of insulin or if the body cannot
use the insulin that is available, blood glucose levels are no
longer maintained at the optimum level and problems ensue.
The cells of the body
rely on a regular supply of glucose to enable them to function -
if the supply is disrupted for any reason the cells effectively
starve.
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When glucose levels build up
in the blood the smaller blood vessels become damaged
and this in turn can cause irreversible damage to the
eyes and the kidneys; nerves can also be damaged which
reduces sensitivity to touch and pain and interferes
with the functioning of internal organs. If the high
glucose levels are left uncontrolled, heart attacks and
strokes become a probability.
Type 2 diabetes is
referred to as ‘late onset diabetes’ as it usually
occurs in men and women over the age of 40 years,
although the condition is now also being seen in obese
children. Obesity seems to predispose people to
developing type 2 diabetes, especially when the excess
weight is carried around the middle of the torso.
There appears to be a
genetic link with those who have a family history of
type 2 diabetes being more likely to develop it
themselves. |
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Those who have high
blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels also seem to have
an increased likelihood of suffering from this condition.
Receiving a diagnosis of type 2
diabetes can be shocking and worrying but the first thing for
patients to realise is that the condition can be controlled –
often simply by diet and lifestyle changes. There is no reason
why type 2 diabetes sufferers should not live long and happy
lives – provided they take the necessary steps to support their
pancreas and stabilise glucose levels.
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