Diabetes Type II, also known as non-insulin dependent, affects the way the body metabolizes glucose, which is later used for energy. Diabetes is a very common but highly preventable disease. Factors such as age, ethnicity, and genetics cannot be altered, but promoting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent diabetes.
With Diabetes Type 2, your body is either not producing enough insulin or not taking the insulin being made, also known as insulin resistance. When there is a lack of insulin in the body, the amount of sugar circulating through the bloodstream also decreases. Insulin plays a crucial role in carrying sugar to the cells in the body. This provides the body with the necessary energy required to function.
Certain factors such as age, race, family history, and weight can increase the risk of diabetes. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes. African Americans and Asian Americans are more inclined to develop diabetes than other races. Adults forty and over are at a higher risk for diabetes due to a lack of inactivity. If diabetes runs in the family, all other family members have an increased chance of developing diabetes.
Diabetes can be diagnosed with a simple glucose test. The glucose test will measure the amount of sugar in the blood and determine if an individual is diabetic. Once an individual has been diagnosed, managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment. Managing constantly fluctuating glucose levels is crucial to reducing any serious complications. Being committed to a healthy diet and exercise is most effective in diabetic care. In some cases, diet and exercise are not enough, and oral medication is required.
References
American Diabetes Association: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Medscape Reference: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/117853-overview
