TYPE II DIABETES

Type II Diabetes

Ashlee Johnson

Salt Lake Community College

HLTH 1020-F17 Online Widdison

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TYPE II DIABETES

Nearly ten percent of the United States population have diabetes. One fourth of

those people don't even know that they have it. Diabetes, also referred to as

hyperglycemia, is a disease where your body is not able to regulate your blood glucose

(sugar) levels properly, causing your levels to be higher than normal. (National Institute of

Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Staff, Diabetes)

Formerly known as noninsulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes, type II diabetes

is the most common form of diabetes. Type II diabetes is a chronic condition, known for

insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when your pancreas is not able to keep up with the

production of insulin necessary in order to regulate blood glucose levels. Basically, your

body has trouble metabolizing glucose. This is an issue because glucose will build up in the

blood, causing your cells to be starved of energy and possible damage to, or failure of, your

kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart. (American Diabetes Association, Facts About Type 2),

(Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2 Diabetes)

Insulin is a hormone secreted from the pancreas into the blood stream. Insulin

circulates, which lowers the amount of sugar in your blood stream by allowing the sugars

to enter cells. When your blood sugar drops, so does the amount of insulin secreted from

your pancreas. This is why when my cousin has her total pancreatomy next month, she will

be a severe diabetic for the remainder of her life. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2 Diabetes),

(NIDDK Staff, Symptoms and Causes of Diabetes)

Glucose is a main source of energy for cells. Cells absorb glucose and are then able

to make muscle and other tissues for your body. Your body is provided with glucose by

your food and also by your liver, where glucose is made and stored. When your blood

glucose levels are low, your liver begins to help produce more by breaking down glycogen.

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In type II diabetes, this process does not work appropriately. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2

Diabetes), (NIDDK Staff, Symptoms and Causes of Diabetes)

Insulin resistance is when your pancreas is not properly producing the insulin

sufficient to regulate your blood sugar levels. This begins as a condition where insulin is

not used appropriately by the liver, fat, and muscle cells. Your body overcompensates for a

time by creating more insulin to allow glucose to enter cells. However, over time your

pancreas is not able to keep up with the demand and insulin levels will begin to drop. This

again causes blood glucose levels to drop, which is diabetes. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2

Diabetes), (NIDDK Staff, Symptoms and Causes of Diabetes)

Risk factors for type II diabetes include lifestyle factors, race, age, genetics, obesity,

and inactivity. "Diabetes isn't an equal-opportunity disease." (Curry, A.) Latinos, Asian

Americans, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and African Americans are more like to

develop type II diabetes than Caucasians or other racial and ethnic groups. Studies find

that this is because of the biological differences in genetics. Some people are more

resistant to insulin, others may be more resilient. While two individuals may have the

same body mass index (BMI), one may carry their fat just underneath their skin, distributed

throughout their body, and the other mainly in their abdomen, closer to their organs. The

person who carries their fat mainly in their abdomen, surrounding their organs, is more

likely to develop type II diabetes. These things are genetically predisposed, whether by

race/ethnicity or a family genetic history. Your risk of type II diabetes also drastically

increases if you have a parent or sibling who have it. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2 Diabetes),

(NIDDK Staff, Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes), (Curry, A., Race and Type 2 Diabetes)

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If you are overweight, obese, or not physically active, you are more likely to develop

type II diabetes. These are all primary risk factors of type II diabetes. These are also

factors that you can affect and change! As mentioned above, the distribution of your body

fat plays a role in your risk of type II diabetes. Excess fat around the abdomen poses a

greater risk. When you are overweight or obese, your cells have more fatty tissue which

makes it harder for them to absorb insulin. When you are physically active, not only do you

help to control your weight, you also expend glucose as energy. This helps your cells to be

more sensitive to insulin, which can reduce your risk of type II diabetes. (Mayo Clinic Staff,

Type 2 Diabetes), (NIDDK Staff, Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes)

The symptoms for type II diabetes generally develop slowly, beginning mild and

0growing over a span of years. Some people never develop symptoms, only discovering

their diabetes once it has progressed into further health problems. Those who do develop

symptoms may suffer from one or more of the following: fatigue, blurred vision, increased

appetite, increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss. Fatigue, increased

appetite, and unexpected weight loss are caused by your body not being able to generate

the proper amount of energy due to the lack of blood glucose in the cells. Increased thirst

and frequent urination are your body's way of telling you that you are dehydrated due to

your kidneys working overtime, expelling the excess glucose in your blood. This

dehydration can also cause dry mouth or itchy skin. Other symptoms to watch for are

numb or tingling sensations in the extremities, frequent slow-healing sores or infections,

and swollen or tender gums. Slow blood flow and nerve damage can make healing difficult.

These things are all directly affected by the level of blood glucose in your body. Though

one symptom may not cause you alarm, you need to listen to your body. Diabetes is a

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serious disease, but when diagnosed early can be handled and prevent further

complications. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2 Diabetes), (NIDDK Staff, Symptoms and Causes of

Diabetes), (JDRF Staff, Early Symptoms of Diabetes)

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms or has risk factors for diabetes should be

tested. It is recommended to get regularly tested for diabetes if you are age 45 and older, a

woman who previously developed gestational diabetes, or age 19 and older if you are

overweight/obese and have other diabetes risk factors. Diabetes can be diagnosed by a

doctor through a blood test. This is generally known as a Glycated Hemoglobin test (A1c).

This test can determine your average blood glucose level over the past two to three

months. Another method for screening for diabetes is an FPG, a fasting plasma glucose test.

A FPG requires that you do not have anything to eat or drink, other than water, for at least a

period of eight hours prior to the blood draw. Regardless of the method used, the blood

test determines if your blood glucose level is too high. This will determine if your levels are

normal, pre-diabetic, or diabetic. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2 Diabetes), (NIDDK Staff,

Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis)

Though diabetes is also disease to which some are genetically predisposed, there

are ways to help delay and prevent it! Diabetes can cause other major health problems

such as stroke, heart attack, or heart disease. You may develop coronary artery disease,

narrowing of the arteries, or chronic high blood pressure. Diabetes can cause nerve

damage. Beginning as a tingling, numb, or burning sensation in your extremities, it can

result in the complete loss of sensation in your limbs. Nerve damage can also cause

problems with digestion, causing regular nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.

Diabetes can cause damage to your kidneys, your body's waste filtration system. This

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damage can lead to kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease. These complications

ultimately lead to dialysis or a kidney transplant. Diabetes can cause foot damage, eye

damage, hearing impairment, and serious skin conditions. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2

Diabetes), (NIDDK Staff, Symptoms and Causes of Diabetes)

So many of the possible complications from diabetes can be life-threatening. The

longer that you suffer from diabetes, the more likely you are to acquire some of these

serious health problems. This is why it is important to do all you can to delay or prevent

the onset of type II diabetes. Making healthy lifestyle choices can help you to do that!

When looking at your diet, you should choose more whole grains, fruits, and

vegetables. Focus on lowering your fat and calorie intake, while increasing your fiber

intake. Limit foods that are high in trans fat and saturated fat, especially fried foods. Limit

sodium dense foods, sweets, and beverages with added sugars. You can also eat smaller

portions and drink more water to reduce your daily caloric intake. (NIDDK Staff,

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes)

In addition to making better decisions about your diet, you need to move more! Get

in at least 30 physically active minutes each day. It is okay to start slow! If you are unable

to do a 30 minute session daily, try taking it in 10 minute increments throughout the day.

Being more physically active will lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which

will also improve blood flow. Being physically active will improve your mood and help you

to sleep better. Go for a brisk walk or take a bike ride, anything that gets your heart rate up

will help. Each of these things will help you to lose weight, which is another factor in

delaying or preventing the onset of type II diabetes. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2 Diabetes),

(NIDDK Staff, Preventing Type 2 Diabetes)

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Losing even five to seven percent of your body weight can make a huge difference.

These changes that you make to your diet and exercise routine do not need to be extensive,

but they do need to be permanent! This will help you to keep your body in a healthy weight

range. It will also help to keep your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels in

your ideal range. These things will all make you have more energy, feel better, and prevent

or delay further health complications. (Mayo Clinic Staff, Type 2 Diabetes)

When my dad was diagnosed with type II diabetes, he was advised that as a first

step he should lose seven percent of his body weight. Following the doctor's orders, he

lost almost eleven percent of his body weight at the time. He kept the weight off and

continued with his prescribed regime of two medications in the morning, one at night, and

an insulin booster once a week. Fast forward about eight years, he started to really feel the

effects of his diabetes again. With a change in insurance, he was seen by a new doctor. This

doctor adjusted his medications, and advised him to lose five percent of his current body

weight again. Following doctor's orders, my dad again lost five percent of his body weight.

Along with the newly adjusted medications, he began to feel really great again! Sometimes

the treatments need to be adjusted because your body can get used to them, but that

doesn't mean it can't still be managed in a new way.

Type II diabetes is manageable and can generally be treated with diet changes,

exercise, insulin, and other oral medications. Along with healthy eating habits and regular

exercise, you may need to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels. My dad takes

metformin twice daily to lower his blood pressure and boost his body's use of insulin. He

also has weekly injections of dulaglutide, which is another insulin booster. Rather than

being insulin injections, he has insulin boosters which help his body to create its own

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natural insulin. Other options of oral medications and injections are available, depending

on the severity of the diabetes condition. These things can help prevent future

complications. Though many believe dietary supplements can help manage diabetes, no

clear evidence exists that vitamins, herbs, spices, or minerals truly help. Some people may

qualify for weight loss surgery in order to help treat their diabetes. Regardless of how it is

being managed or treated, diabetes requires regular physical exams and meetings with

dieticians. Billions of people live with diabetes. It is a completely manageable disease. It is

best when caught early, and future complications can be prevented. Eat well, move more,

lose weight, and get tested regularly if you have any of the risk factors.

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TYPE II DIABETES

REFERENCES

American Diabetes Association, (2017, October 27), www.diabetes.org, Retrieved from

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/?loc=db-slabnav, Retrieved from

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/symptoms/?referrer=https://www.google.com/

Mayo Clinic Staff, (2017, October 6), www.mayohealth.org, Retrieved from

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193,

Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-

symptoms/art-20044248?pg=2

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, (2016 November), www.niddk.nih.gov,

Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes, Retrieved from

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes, Retrieved from

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/risk-factors-type-2-diabetes, Retrieved

from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-type-2-diabetes,

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes

Curry, Andrew, (2017 November), Race and Type 2 Diabetes, www.diabetesforecast.org, Retrieved from

http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2017/nov-dec/race-and-type-2-

diabetes.html?loc=morefrom&__utma=227028104.1221629080.1510159918.1510159918.1510159918.1&__

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&__utmk=35949731?referrer=http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/facts-about-type-2.html

JDRF Staff, (2017), Early Symptoms of Diabetes, www.jdrf.org, Retrieved from http://www.jdrf.org/t1d-

resources/symptoms/