What is Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?

Most people have heard of diabetes at some time in their lives. Many people in the world live with it on a daily basis. There are three major types of Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Onset. This article will be devoted to Type 2, but I will also be putting together articles on other types of Diabetes and related diseases that I have studied.

The three types of Diabetes Mellitus (sometimes referred to as Sugar Diabetes) are all similar in that they are characterized by the body’s inability to regulate the hormone Insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for regulating glucose. The pancreas is a gland that is located behind the stomach.

When all the blood glucose is raised by eating food or for any other reason the pancreas would secrete Insulin to bring it back down to an acceptable level for the body to deal with. If the pancreas does not function properly and secrete the proper amount of Insulin or sometimes the pancreas delivers no Insulin then the blood sugar levels can become dangerously high.

What Causes Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?

A child, adolescent or adult can develop Type 2 Diabetes and while no one is absolutely sure of the direct cause research has found that people with the following conditions are more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes:

1. High Blood Pressure
2. High Cholesterol Levels
3. Family history of Diabetes
4. Overweight
5. Native American
6. African American
7. Asian American
8. Pacific Islander
9. Females that have had Gestational Diabetes


What are the symptoms?

1. Frequent Urination is probably the most notable and one of the first signs or symptoms.
2. Blurred Vision can be an early indicator of diabetes and numerous other diseases.
3. Being hungry most of the time can be an indicator
4. Losing weight without really trying can be a sign.
5. More thirsty than usual

How is Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 diagnosed?

It is diagnosed by the use of various blood glucose tests such as the following:
1. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS) also known as Fasting Blood Sugar, after an overnight usually 8-12 hours fast you arrive at the lab or blood collection center. A specimen of blood is drawn then analyzed for blood glucose.
2. Random Blood Glucose is a glucose test done at anytime when you are not fasting and have not been fasting,
3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. If the Random and fasting blood glucose testing results warrant further testing the physician may order a Glucose Tolerance test. These usually last 1-5 hours depending on what exactly the physician is checking. A fasting sample will be drawn. You will be given a drink with a predetermined amount of glucose in it. You will need to drink the entire dink quickly then the lab will draw blood usually at 1 hour intervals until the time is up, during the testing period you may not eat anything, usually the lab will allow you to drink water.

What is the Treatment?

Type 2 Diabetes can often be controlled with a few lifestyle changes. These changes would include eating a more healthy diet, losing weight, and some form of mild exercise. If these lifestyle changes are not successful then a physician may recommend a diabetes medicine such a Glucophage or Insulin.

If you are diagnosed with Diabetes it is very important to monitor your blood glucose levels. Your doctor may have you check your blood sugar 3 times daily or more often in special cases. Most people diagnosed with diabetes obtain a small handheld blood glucose meter such as a One-Touch. People with diabetes should keep a journal of the blood glucose readings, have their meter checked and calibrated on a regular basis.

Persons with diabetes may also be required to have a test called the Hemoglobin A1c . The HbA1c test also known as Glycosylated Hemoglobin is a method of telling if the patient’s glucose level is well controlled or poorly controlled.

Can Diabetes lead to other health problems?

Yes, uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to many other problems and damage tissue and organs. Probably the most common is damage to the kidneys which sometimes leads to kidney failure. If you don’t seek treatment for diabetes you may be risking developing any of the following problems.

1. Eye problems, blurred vision, possibly even blindness
2. Heart attack, stroke and circulatory problems
3. Nerve Damage may cause numbness in the fingers and toes, could lead to foot ulcers and the necessity of removing some necrotic tissue even limbs.
4. Kidney problems which could lead to kidney failure