In 2006, diabetes was found out to be the seventh cause of death in the United States in which 23.6 million children and adults have this morbidity.
So what is Diabetes type II?
It is a metabolic disorder characterized by a high blood glucose level.
Two reasons can be responsible for this disease, either your body can not produce enough insulin or your body is insulin resistant.
The target people for Diabetes type II are:
- over 45 years
- overweight
- genetic predisposition
- diseases such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia
- some medications such as corticosteroids
Pathophysiology
Diabetes as indicated above it is when not enough insulin is produced or when there is "insulin resistance" i.e. there is insulin however the body cells act are resistant to its presence.
Signs and Symptoms
There are several signs and symptoms that you should be careful about. These include:
- dehydration as evidenced by increased thirst and water consumption
- weight loss
- excessive urination
- fatigue
- lethargy
- other symptoms that are illustrated in this graphic
Treatment
Hypoglycemic agents are used to lower the blood glucose level. If this treatment alone is not sufficient and is not helping in regulating the glucose level then insulin should be given subcutaneously.
Along with this, a healthy life style should be accomplished which is a very important aspect in managing diabetes.
Citation:
WHO Consultation. K.G.M.M, Alberti. (2004). Definition, diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus and its complications. part 1: diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus. provisional report of a who consultation. Diabetic Medicine, 15(7), Retrieved from http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/109565841/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
Diabetes Symptoms 1. Retrieved June 30,2010 from: http://fyi09.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/diabetes_symptoms1.gif
Diabetes Pathophysiology. Retrieved June 30,2010 from: http://www.hangtide.com/health/016/Untitled03.jpg
Diabetes Type 2 - What Is Diabetes Mellitus? video. Retrieved June 30,2010 form: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeT1V8RmIbU
