Type 2 Diabetes
By: Carly Schlabaugh
Definition
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong disease in which there are high levels of sugar in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
Symptoms
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
Causes
- When the pancreas does not produce any insulin.
- When the pancreas produces very little insulin.
- When the body does not respond appropriately to insulin.
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
Diagnosis
- Glycated Hemoglobin Test
- Random Blood Sugar Test
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Treatment
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Healthy eating
- Physical Activity
- Medication
- Insulin Therapy
- Bariatric surgery
Statistics
- Type 2 Diabetes accounts for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
- 2 million new cases of Type 2 Diabetes were diagnosed in U.S. adults in 2010.
- Cases of Type 2 Diabetes cost the United States an estimated $174 billion in 2007.
- If either parent suffers from Type 2 Diabetes, a child’s risk of developing the disease is 15%. If both parents have the condition, the risk of developing it is 75%.
Prevention
- Eating a healthier diet
- Increasing physical activity
- Regular Exercise
- Medication to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure
Citations
"Type 2 Diabetes." University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. <http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/000313.htm>.
"Diabetes Health Center." Signs of Type 2 Diabetes. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. <http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/diabetes-warning-signs>.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Type 2 Diabetes." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 Jan. 2013. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis>.
"Type 2 Diabetes Statistics and Facts." Healthlines RSS News. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013. <http://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/statistics>.