What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes sugar. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or when your cells don’t respond to the insulin that is produced. This leads to high levels of glucose in your blood, which can cause serious health problems over time.
Types of Type 2 Diabetes
There are several different types of type 2 diabetes, each with its own unique characteristics and risk factors. The most common type is non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), also known as type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is characterized by a gradual decline in insulin production over time, leading to high levels of glucose in the blood.
Another type of type 2 diabetes is insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus (IRDM), also known as type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is characterized by a sudden onset of high levels of glucose in the blood, often in response to a stressful event or illness.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some people are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than others due to their family history, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, people who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as are people who have a family history of the condition.
Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
There are several risk factors that increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. These include:
– Being overweight or obese
– Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
– Having high blood pressure
– Having high cholesterol levels
– Having a sedentary lifestyle
– Having a history of gestational diabetes
– Having a history of type 1 diabetes
– Having a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
– Having a history of type 2 diabetes in a sibling
Complications of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can lead to a number of serious health problems, including:
– Heart disease
– Stroke
– Nerve damage
– Kidney disease
– Eye problems
– Foot problems
– Skin infections
– Dental problems
– Liver disease
– Respiratory problems
– Depression
– Dementia
– Cancer
It is important to manage type 2 diabetes to prevent these complications from developing. This can be done through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, and medication, such as oral medications or insulin injections.
Conclusion
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes sugar. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or when your cells don’t respond to the insulin that is produced. There are several different types of type 2 diabetes, each with its own unique characteristics and risk factors. It is important to manage type 2 diabetes to prevent serious health problems from developing.
