Type 2 Diabetes: Keeping The Life-threatening Disease At Bay

Breakneck pace and up-to-the-minute technology have their advantages, no doubt but they have also heralded the era of the obese couch potato syndrome. With increasing numbers of professionals and children alike, opting for the convenience of fast food with no time to spare for physical activity of any kind, it is not very surprising to find that at least 6% of the modern American population fall into the category of diabetics. Diabetes is known to have two predominant avatars, the combination of which can loosely define this disease. Type1 Diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin to metabolize the glucose in the blood stream into the energy it needs, while Type 2 Diabetes is when the production of insulin is as per the requisite levels, but the cells of the body are incapable of using this insulin to derive their energy. This glucose then accumulates in the bloodstream leading to several, dangerous complications.

If you are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, it is important that you know that you are at a constant risk of your glucose levels dipping abnormally low. This is because your body is deprived of the energy it needs to function and this results in a condition called Hypoglycemia. You may feel dizzy, fatigued, confused and may sweat profusely. If not attended to in time, hypoglycemia also puts you at a risk of developing seizures or passing out. Hence, it is vital that as soon as you feel the first symptoms of Hypoglycemia, you immediately consume some form of sugar to boost the glucose levels in your blood. You can consume glucose tablets, some fruit juice or suck on a handful of hard candy for instant relief. For more severe symptoms, it is vital that you be rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment or be administered a glucagon injection.

Conversely, the levels of glucose in your blood may surge much higher than the acceptable limits, leading to Hyperglycemia. This is brought about by the inadequate production of insulin, which in turn leads to the accumulation of sugar in your bloodstream. You can recognize if your body is feeling hyperglycemic, if you find that you are a lot thirstier than usual, or if you need to use the restroom at uncommonly short intervals.

Deprived of the glucose it needs to fuel itself, your body then begins to convert fats or lipids into energy. This process of metabolism leads to the generation of Ketones as toxic byproducts. Your body does the best it can to eliminate these Ketones via urine, but there is still some amount of Ketones that stay behind. These build up in your blood and cause the potentially life-threatening Ketoacidosis. Once again, you need to take immediate action if you doubt that you're breath smells unnaturally fruity, or you feel breathless and nauseous.

Type 2 Diabetes also increases your chances of developing Focal Neuropathy where a group of nerves in your body is affected, causing double vision, pain and also partial paralysis. Diabetes may also lead to an affliction which is termed as Compressed Nerves. This condition, where the brain does not receive the signals which are transmitted by your nerves, can also develop into the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or a tingling sensation in your fingers and muscle pain.

The causes of Type 2 Diabetes range from a complex combination of genetic traits, your dietary and lifestyle patterns, insulin abnormalities and also your age and gender. Although people with a family history of diabetes are indeed at a greater risk of developing this disease as they grow, it has also been noted that obesity and lack of exercise accelerate its onset. Also, it was formerly believed that males were more prone to developing Type 2 Diabetes, but this notion is fast changing with instances of diabetes in women increasing at an alarming pace. What's even more frightening is that this disease, which was once believed to be predominant amongst the elderly, has now percolated into younger age groups with Juvenile Diabetes becoming a very common phenomenon.

The most effective way to curb the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes is to simply follow a regular pattern of eating and exercise. Also, ensure that you never go without food for very long intervals and keep constant vigil over your glucose levels. Alert your physician in case of any abnormalities, no matter how minor they may seem and treat any signs of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia without a second thought. Although Diabetes may seem to pose severe hindrances in your routine functioning, if you follow these basic principles with a stoic adherence, you will soon discover a plethora of opportunities open up, which guide you towards a long, fulfilling and healthy life.



Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.