Type 2 Diabetes: Overcoming The Bitter Demon
Jula Hanf
With the advent of the age of couch potatoes and greasy fast food, the incidence of Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent. Today, at least 6% of the American population is victim to this disease a percentage which is multiplying in leaps and bounds. Diabetes is primarily classified into 2 types. The first is when the body simply does not produce enough insulin to metabolize sugar. The second type which is a chronic, lifelong malady where the body does produce insulin, but the cells do not recognize this production. Consequently, sugar, which is the quickest source of energy that is available to the body, is not broken down by the cells, and builds up in the blood instead of being assimilated by the body. And this is what is labeled as Type 2 Diabetes.
If you are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, it is important that you know that you are at a constant risk of your glucose levels dipping abnormally low. This is because your body is deprived of the energy it needs to function and this results in a condition called Hypoglycemia. You may feel dizzy, fatigued, confused and may sweat profusely. If not attended to in time, hypoglycemia also puts you at a risk of developing seizures or passing out. Hence, it is vital that as soon as you feel the first symptoms of Hypoglycemia, you immediately consume some form of sugar to boost the glucose levels in your blood. You can consume glucose tablets, some fruit juice or suck on a handful of hard candy for instant relief. For more severe symptoms, it is vital that you be rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment or be administered a glucagon injection.
As a victim of Type 2 Diabetes, you are also at a potential risk of developing Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. This is when your body does not have the mount of insulin it needs to break down the glucose which leads to the glucose accumulating in your bloodstream. Your body will also attempt to flush out this sugar by urinating a lot more than is usual, which will also lead to you feeling uncommonly thirsty.
When your body is unable to use the sugar you consume for energy, it turns to the next available source fats. The metabolism of fats or lipids produces Ketones as waste products which are excreted when you urinate. However, there are still a proportion of Ketones that are left behind and these build up in your blood to cause Ketoacidosis. This disease can prove fatal if not diagnosed and treated in time. If you begin to feel breathless, nauseous or if your breath smells fruity, it is essential that you immediately consult your physician.
A majority of the people who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes have also been known to contract Focal Neuropathy, where a segment of their nervous system is debilitated, leading to double-sightedness, pain and even partial paralysis. You are also at more vulnerable to developing Compressed Nerves where your brain is unable to perceive the signals transmitted by your nervous system. This may lead to the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, where you feel a tingling sensation in your fingertips and muscle aches.
The causes of Type 2 Diabetes range from a complex combination of genetic traits, your dietary and lifestyle patterns, insulin abnormalities and also your age and gender. Although people with a family history of diabetes are indeed at a greater risk of developing this disease as they grow, it has also been noted that obesity and lack of exercise accelerate its onset. Also, it was formerly believed that males were more prone to developing Type 2 Diabetes, but this notion is fast changing with instances of diabetes in women increasing at an alarming pace. What's even more frightening is that this disease, which was once believed to be predominant amongst the elderly, has now percolated into younger age groups with Juvenile Diabetes becoming a very common phenomenon.
The most effective way to curb the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes is to simply follow a regular pattern of eating and exercise. Also, ensure that you never go without food for very long intervals and keep constant vigil over your glucose levels. Alert your physician in case of any abnormalities, no matter how minor they may seem and treat any signs of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia without a second thought. Although Diabetes may seem to pose severe hindrances in your routine functioning, if you follow these basic principles with a stoic adherence, you will soon discover a plethora of opportunities open up, which guide you towards a long, fulfilling and healthy life.
Julia Hanf author of the book How To Play the Diabetes Diet Game and Win Through a real life crisis Julia figured out how to live diabetes free. Visit http://www.yourdiabetescure.com and learn more about your solution for diabetes.
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