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My Diabetes Mellitus Story Article
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Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, or Diabetes Mellitus, occurs when the body either cannot utilise the insulin it produces or it fails to produce adequate insulin for its needs. This means that the body is unable to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood stream.
This form of diabetes can be very difficult to spot as there are few symptoms although, as the condition worsens, sufferers often develop an excessive thirst with the associated increase in the number of visits to the bathroom. Other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include tiredness, weight loss, blurred vision, nausea, increased appetite and problems with Candida.
During the digestion process enzymes break carbohydrates down into glucose molecules. The glucose is absorbed through the small intestine into the blood for distribution around the body where it is utilised by cells for energy and repair. Glucose can also be stored by the liver and released at times when insufficient glucose has been ingested for the body's immediate requirements e.g. during periods of exercise.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and released each time food is taken into the body. Insulin is required to control the level of sugar in the blood and it is also required by the cells of the body in order that they can convert the glucose into energy.
It is important that glucose levels in the blood supply remain within a constant range. When there is an inadequate supply of insulin or if the body cannot use the insulin that is available, blood glucose levels are no longer maintained at the optimum level and problems ensue.
The cells of the body rely on a regular supply of glucose to enable them to function - if the supply is disrupted for any reason the cells effectively starve. When glucose levels build up in the blood the smaller blood vessels become damaged and this in turn can cause irreversible damage to the eyes and the kidneys; nerves can also be damaged which reduces sensitivity to touch and pain and interferes with the functioning of internal organs. If the high glucose levels are left uncontrolled, heart attacks and strokes become a probability.
Type 2 diabetes is referred to as 'late onset diabetes' as it usually occurs in men and women over the age of 40 years, although the condition is now also being seen in obese children. Obesity seems to predispose people to developing type 2 diabetes, especially when the excess weight is carried around the middle of the torso.
There appears to be a genetic link with those who have a family history of type 2 diabetes being more likely to develop it themselves. Those who have high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels also seem to have an increased likelihood of suffering from this condition.
Receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be shocking and worrying but the first thing for patients to realise is that the condition can be controlled - often simply by diet and lifestyle changes. There is no reason why type 2 diabetes sufferers should not live long and happy lives - provided they take the necessary steps to support their pancreas and stabilise glucose levels.
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