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Type
2 Diabetes
Type 2
diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It can occur
at any age but is most common after age 40. In most cases,
type 2 diabetes can be prevented or reversed by making lifestyle
changes.
In type
2 diabetes the blood sugar rises because the body is not efficiently
using the hormone insulin, or is not producing enough insulin.
Insulin is a hormone, made by the pancreas, that is needed
to move sugar (glucose) out of the bloodstream and into the
cells for energy.
| Risk
factors for type 2 diabetes: |
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family
history of type 2 diabetes |
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inactive
lifestyle |
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over
40 years of age |
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obesity |
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a
history of gestational diabetes or delivering a
baby weighing over 9 lbs |
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high-risk
ethnic group (African-American, Hispanic, Native
American) |
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Type 2
diabetes can progress slowly with sometimes no symptoms. Complications
of the disease can begin before you even know you have it.
That is why yearly check-ups with your doctor are important.
Treatment
of type 2 diabetes includes - healthy eating, exercise, and
possibly medication. This is a lifelong condition with the
treatment changing over time. By making lifestyle changes
the risk of complications decreases significantly and it is
possible to live a long, healthy life.
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