What is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?

Diabetes mellitus type 2, formerly known as the non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is a specific type of diabetes that is characterized by high amounts of glucose concentration in the blood.

This abnormal blood glucose level is brought about by the body’s resistance to its own insulin production and the abnormally small and insufficient amounts that is produced in the system.

Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

The most common symptoms manifested for this type of diabetes mellitus is excessive thirst, hunger and abnormal frequent urination.

Most of the patients who have diabetes mellitus type 2 are also more susceptible to vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies have revealed that the reduced intake of glucose into the cells can produce harmful effects to the brain, most especially in elderly patients.

Unlike diabetes mellitus type 1, type 2 does not lead to ketoacidosis, or the formation of ketones in the body.

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

There are generally two main factors that play a complex role in triggering diabetes mellitus type 2: genetics and lifestyle.

Studies have revealed that people who had healthier living practices – exercised frequently and lived on a well-balanced diet had a 82% chance of not acquiring the disease.

The best kinds of foods to take are those that have high amounts of fiber, low mean glycemic index and foods that are high in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

People who are overweight or obese were also found to be 55% more susceptible to developing diabetes mellitus type 2 than those who were in their normal body weight.

Pre-existing medical conditions such as high-blood pressure can also be risk factors of the disease. Aside from that, heredity and genetics also play a very important role in triggering the condition.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is one of the most common diseases that can run in the family. And lastly, environmental factors, such as weight and diet, are also factors of the disease.

As mentioned before, those who have problems controlling their weight have a very high chance of acquiring diabetes mellitus type 2.

In diabetes mellitus type 2, the body is unable to respond to the insulin produced within the system, preventing glucose from entering into the cells where they are needed.

Although this is a much more complex condition compared to type 1 diabetes, diabetes mellitus type 2 is much easier to treat.

If the condition is left untreated for a considerable period of time, serious complications may develop – such as blindness, erectile dysfunction in men, renal failure, heart disorders and many others.

But fortunately, there are now certain tests that are easily available for diagnosing the disease such as the fasting plasma glucose and the glucose tolerance test.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a highly treatable condition and it is highly recommended to treat it immediately after detection.

If the condition of diabetes mellitus type 2 runs in your family, it is best to take preventive measures as early as possible to prevent the development of the disease in the future.