Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms and Diagnosis

The signs and diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is many respects similar to identifying type 1 diabetes. However, unlike type 1 diabetics whose bodies do not produce insulin, people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are able to produce insulin. The problem lies in the inability to use insulin. Insulin production is fine; insulin-utilization is not.

The inability to use insulin properly to convert food into energy is linked with lifestyle. A large number of type 2 diabetics are either overweight or obese. They have also been known to be less active. Thus, the extra body weight makes it hard for their bodies to process insulin.

In the past, type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed in people over the age of forty. But studies in recent years reveal an alarming discovery. Type 2 diabetes is no longer age-dependent. People of all ages have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Even more alarming is the fact that more and more children have been diagnosed with the disease. This has a direct connection with the higher rate of childhood obesity in recent years.

We already know that excessive weight or obesity is a risk factor for being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Some studies also show that diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in a first or second generation family member increases your likelihood of being diagnosed with the disease. But even when these risk factors are present, it’s important to note that diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be put off by a change in lifestyle.

As in any disease, there are signs that a person may exhibit prior to the diagnosis. Diagnosing type 2 diabetes symptoms – Some signs of diabetes type two to look out for are:
Urinary tract infections and skin infections,
Lethargy or constant tiredness from lack of energy,
Increased urination, and
Increased thirst

Once these signs are present, you can have your doctor check your blood glucose level. When you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your doctor can also provide information regarding the treatment options that are available. Since type 2 diabetes is often connected with one’s lifestyle, evaluating and altering your lifestyle can improve your health. This can be done by losing weight, preparing a meal plan that’s suitable for you, and creating an exercise program that will keep you active and help you shed excess pounds.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes and Treatments Available

Type 2 Diabetes Treatments: There are several factors that affect the type of treatment method that a type 2 diabetic will need to receive in order to manage the disease. Blood sugar level, weight and other health factors all have to be taken into consideration...

Read more...

Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension

How is Type 2 diabetes related to hypertension?

Hypertension and diabetes are often referred to as the ‘terrible two.’ Indeed, being diagnosed with these two conditions at the same time can pack a mean punch, because both diseases can be fatal when left untreated. However, although diabetes is known to be caused by a defect in the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin, the main link between the two, and which one causes the worsening of the other, has never been fully established. How is Type 2 diabetes related to hypertension?

Some experts believe that angiotensin may play a big role linking diabetes and hypertension. Angiotensin is a substance produced by the blood which can affect blood pressure and also interferes with the normal metabolic signalling of insulin.

Hypertension is defined as blood pressure levels above 90/40 mmHg and is common among patients with type 2 diabetes, depending on body weight, predisposition to obesity, ethnicity, and age. In type 2 diabetes hypertension is often found as part of the syndrome of insulin resistance.

Hypertension is a major risk factor in the development of diabetes and its complications. Patients who already have diabetes often face the risk of developing hypertension as well, because the disease predisposes the arteries to damage and subsequent hardening, called atherosclerosis.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high levels of cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities, are obese, and have high blood pressure, all of which are major risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. The sad thing is, many diabetics also have all these conditions AT THE SAME TIME. This is called the metabolic syndrome, and is often seen as excess weight around the waist, high triglyceride levels, and low levels of good cholesterol, hypertension and high blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart disease twice in men and four times in women. This is due partly to the associated cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension among them and including abnormal lipid levels and clotting abnormalities.

Untreated hypertension often may lead to stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease, diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy and kidney failure.

If you have diabetes, you need to monitor your blood pressure levels regularly. Blood pressure readings may vary from one person to another but generally blood pressure should not exceed130/ 80 mmHg. High blood pressure often does not present with symptoms unless it has become very high, which makes regular monitoring (read: having your BP taken regularly) is a must, especially if you are a diabetic.

Hypertension is often treated with a mix of ACE inhibitors, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers–drugs which can lower your BP, diuretics, and serious changes in lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and following a balanced, diabetic, low calorie diet. Diuretics help lower blood pressure by eliminating water and salt through urination.

A recent study in late 2007 revealed that baseline blood pressure and subsequent increase of BP are strong predictors of the development of type 2 diabetes among initially healthy women. The study, which was published in the October 9 Online first issue of the European Heart Journal, carried the message of the importance of blood pressure monitoring as part of early detection strategies for type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes and Rhinisitus

People with type 2 Diabetes and Rhinisitus generally have a harder time controlling their condition since Rhinisitus can increase the stress in the body.

Read more...

Type 2 Diabetes Weight Control

If you are overweight and have type two diabetes, Don't be discouraged, it can easily be managed by changing your lifestyle. Here are some type 2 diabetes weight control tips to help you get started.

Read more...

Type ii Diabetes and the Military

If you are in the military or are considering going into the military you may be wondering if if type ii diabetes and the military are compatible. This article will examine type ll diabetes among the military forces...

Read more...

Discover How to Control Type 2 Diabetes

While type 2 diabetes is a very serious disease, but it can still be controlled. We present 5 tips to help you learn how to control type 2 diabetes.

Read more...

What is Diabetes Type 2

This article examines the definition of type 2 diabetes, what is it? What are the common signs of diabetes 2 and how it differs from other types of diabetes.

Read more...