Receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is concerning for the individual who has been told this. What it means is that their body is not able to use the insulin the body creates in a proper manner. In other words, such an individual is insulin resistant. It can also occur because the body is not able to produce enough insulin.
Insulin Resistant
In normal circumstances, insulin is produced by the pancreas. The purpose of this insulin is to convert the glucose that one consumes into energy. When an individual has type 2 diabetes, the cells in the body are not able to use the insulin that is being produced properly. After a while, the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin to help get the glucose into the cells that require it. As a result, the sugar then resides in the blood.
Who is At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes?
There are several different categories that an individual can fit into that may put them at risk for this disease:
- Genetics – There could be a family history that includes others who have been diagnosed with type two diabetes. If so then an individual is at a greater risk of also having these disease.
- Obesity – People that are overweight are at a greater risk of contracting this disease. Still, some people who are of normal weight may still be at risk.
- Fat Location – People store fat in different parts of their body. Some tend to store a lot of fat in their abdomen. It has been shown that these individuals are at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Limited Exercise – Many people are guilty of not getting enough exercise. This can pose many health problems. One of these is getting type 2 diabetes. Exercise helps to use up the glucose that has been converted to energy.
- The age factor – Getting older can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk increases past the age of 45.
- A Prediabetes diagnosis – Those who have been diagnosed with pre-diagnosis are at risk of it escalating to type 2 diabetes.
This is not an all exhaustive list of the risks of developing type 2 diabetes. Several other risk factors have to be considered.
The Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
It is always wise for an individual to listen to what their body is telling them – the symptoms. The problem is that there can be several symptoms. Some are subtle and there may be a tendency to ignore them. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Infections that are more frequent
- Skin discoloration in the armpit and/or neck area
- Problems with vision
- Sores that take too long to heal
- Fatigue
- The loss of weight that is unintentional
- More thirsty than normal
- Having to urinate more often
- An increase in appetite
The problem with these symptoms is that they can be indicators of other health problems as well. Any one of them or a combination of several should be brought to the attention of a health care provider.
Individuals should be aware of the risks as well as the symptoms and, if either is present, they should be extra cautious and keep up with their medical appointments.
This is a disease that can be avoided. The best approach for this is by informing individuals that they may be at risk of it.
