| Diabetics Types - II |
Quick Facts |
Diabetes is caused by a problem in the way your body makes or uses insulin. Insulin is needed to move glucose (blood sugar) into cells, where it is used for energy.
If glucose does not get into the cells, the body cannot use it for energy. Too much glucose will then remain in the blood, causing the symptoms of diabetes.
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Type 2 diabetes usually occurs gradually. Most people with the disease are overweight at the time of diagnosis. However, Type 2 diabetes can also develop in those who are thin, especially the elderly. |
Family history and genetics play a large role in type 2 diabetes. Low activity level, poor diet, and excess body weight (especially around the waist) significantly increase your risk for type 2 diabetes. |
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Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors |
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Symptoms |
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Increased thirst |
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Increased urination |
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Increased appetite |
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Fatigue |
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Blurred vision |
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Frequent or slow-healing infections |
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Erectile dysfunction |
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Signs and tests |
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Fasting blood glucose level -- diabetes is diagnosed if higher than 126 mg/dL on 2 occasions. |
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Random (non-fasting) blood glucose level -- diabetes is suspected if higher than 200 mg/dL and accompanied by the classic symptoms of increased thirst, urination, and fatigue |
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Oral glucose tolerance test -- diabetes is diagnosed if glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours |
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insulin test (low or undetectable level of insulin) |
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C-peptide test (low or undetectable level of the protein C-peptide, a by-product of insulin production) |
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Treatment |
| The first goals are to eliminate the symptoms and stabilize your blood glucose levels. The ongoing goals are to prevent long-term complications and prolong your life. The primary treatment for type 2 diabetes is exercise and diet. |
| You should learn basic diabetes management skills. They will help prevent complications and the need for medical care. These skills include: |
LEARN THESE SKILLS
How to test and record your blood glucose |
What to eat and when |
How to take medications, if indicated |
How to recognize and treat low and high blood sugar |
How to handle sick days |
Where to buy diabetes supplies and how to store them |
careful self-testing of blood glucose levels |
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