Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes: Introduction
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body does not respond to the effects of the hormone insulin. This is known as insulin resistance. In addition, some people with type 2 diabetes also may not produce sufficient amounts of insulin in the pancreas.
The role of insulin is to facilitate movement of sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream into the body's cells, where it is used for energy. Insulin also helps the liver to store excess glucose. When the body cannot process and use glucose properly, the body's cells do not get the energy they need. Medically, this is known as an inability to metabolize glucose, which results in an abnormally high level of glucose in the blood, called hyperglycemia.
It type 2 diabetes goes untreated, hyperglycemia damages the body's blood vessels and can lead to many complications that can affect nearly every organ in the body. Complications include kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy and blindness, peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure, serious skin infections, gangrene, cardiovascular disease, stroke, disability, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, hearing damage, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome, and death.
As much as 95% of people with diabetes in the U.S. have type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 1diabetes, which is not preventable, Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented. Being overweight and inactive are two important risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include having a personal history of gestational diabetes, a family history of type 2 diabetes or having an African-American, Native American, Asian-American, or Hispanic ancestry.
Another risk factor is being over 45 years of age. This is why type 2 diabetes is also known as adult-onset diabetes, although many more young people and children are now being diagnosed with the disease due to higher rates of obesity and inactivity in these age groups. Having a personal history of a condition called prediabetes, the earliest form of type 2 diabetes, is another risk factor.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst, excessive urination, and fatigue. For more details on symptoms, refer to symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms may be vague or unnoticeable for years, resulting in a delayed diagnosis of the disease. This is why it is important to receive regular medical care throughout your lifetime to screen for type 2 diabetes. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is easy to diagnose during a routine office visit with a simple blood test, called a fasting blood glucose test, which will detect hyperglycemia. High levels of glucose can also be quickly detected with a random blood glucose test or an urinanalysis performed on urine. The newest form of testing for diabetes is the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test, which measures the average overall blood sugar for the past several months.
Prompt diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and effective ongoing life-long treatment to normalize sugar levels in the blood are key to minimizing serious complications.
At this time type 2 diabetes cannot be cured but it can be effectively managed and even prevented. Treatment of type 2 diabetes includes regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, eating a well-balanced healthy diet, regular aerobic exercise, and medications. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of type 2 diabetes. ...more »
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes,
typically affecting over-40's adults,
whereas Type 1 diabetes is the insulin-requiring juvenile form.
In many cases, when people say "diabetes", it refers to Type 2 diabetes.
Although insulin may be needed in later stages,
it is usually treated by diet-only or by diabetes medications in the early years
after diagnosis.
Because Type 2 diabetes starts out with only mild symptoms,
it is one of the most common under-diagnosed diseases,
with millions of Americans unaware that they have it (or the earlier phase called IGT).
This is unfortunate, because diabetes causes significant damage to the body
and leads to various complications, even in the period prior to diagnosis.
Diagnosis must separate diabetes from other causes of mild symptoms,
but this is easily done using the tests for diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes must be distinguished from other types of diabetes
including Type 1 diabetes, MODY, and IGT.
In some cases, an underlying condition such as metabolic syndrome,
hemochromatosis or cystic fibrosis may be the actual base illness. ...more »
Type 2 diabetes: Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly from a condition called prediabetes, and symptoms may not be apparent for years. Symptoms can include excessive thirst, which develops because hyperglycemia, or high levels of glucose in the blood, acts as a sponge to pull fluid out of the body's tissues. This leads to dehydration and extreme thirst as well ...more »
Type 2 diabetes: Treatments
There currently is no cure for type 2 diabetes. Treating the disease requires a life-long commitment to maintain blood glucose levels at as normal a level as possible. With meticulous, medically monitored treatment, it can be successfully managed, minimizing complications and allowing people with type 2 diabetes to live a normal active lives.
Good treatment consists ...more »
Type 2 diabetes: Misdiagnosis
Type 2 diabetes can easily be overlooked because symptoms often develop slowly and may not be noticed for years. Symptoms when they do occur, such as fatigue, may be vague and can easily be ignored or attributed to other less serious causes.
However, regular medical care can quickly and efficiently screen for the disease. Type 2 diabetes can be ...more »
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes
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symptoms of Type 2 diabetes
Treatments for Type 2 diabetes
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treatments for Type 2 diabetes
Wrongly Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes?
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Causes of Type 2 diabetes
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Home Diagnostic Testing
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Disease Topics Related To Type 2 diabetes
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Medical Textbooks Online about Type 2 diabetes
Medical Books Excerpts
- GLYCOSURIA
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- POLYDIPSIA
- "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
- [ read ]
- Polydipsia
- "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Polydipsia
- "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
- [ read ]
- Diabetes Mellitus
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
- Polydipsia
- "The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter" (2000)
- [ read ]
- Polydipsia
- "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
- [ read ]
Book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
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Type 2 diabetes: Medical Mistakes
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Type 2 diabetes: Undiagnosed Conditions
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In-Depth Reports: Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis
Diabetes diagnosis and misdiagnosis (In-Depth Report): Detailed report on diabetes misdiagnoses, rare curable types, and
less common diagnostic issues....read full report »
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Misdiagnosis and Type 2 diabetes
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an often overlooked medical condition that causes a cluster of chronic symptoms....read more »
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there are varying degrees of severity.
It is...read more »
Heart attacks can be overdiagnosed: Although many people die from heart attacks, there are also
many cases where people fear that they have a heart attack, but...read more »
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there are also a number of medical causes of weight gain or obesity that...read more »
Rare undiagnosed iron disorder causes various severe conditions: The rare "iron overload" disorder, hemochromatosis,
can cause a variety of symptoms and result in various severe conditions that mimic several
of the big name medical...read more »
Cluster of diseases with difficult diagnosis issues: There is a well-known list of
medical conditions that are all somewhat difficult to diagnose, and all can present
in a variety...read more »
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of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer.
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Poorly healing leg rashes a classic sign of chronic disease: Recurring leg rashes,
or poorly healing leg rashes, are a classic sign of undiagnosed diabetes,
particularly of Type 2...read more »
Leg cramps at night a classic sign: The symptom of having leg muscle cramps,
particularly at night, is a classic sign of undiagnosed diabetes.
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See causes of leg cramps or misdiagnosis of...read more »
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in child patients than in adults.
Some of the overlooked conditions may...read more »
Misdiagnosed weight-related causes of infertility: A woman's weight status
can affect her level of fertility.
Although obesity or overweight can in themselves reduce fertility, there are other
weight-related or associated...read more »
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Prevention of Type 2 diabetes
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Type 2 diabetes: Broader Related Topics
Types of Type 2 diabetes
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Article Excerpts about Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes Overview: NIDDK (Excerpt)
The most common form of diabetes is type 2
diabetes. About 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2, and
one-third of them have not been diagnosed. This form of diabetes usually
develops in adults age 40 and older and is most common in adults over age
55. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Type 2
diabetes is often part of a metabolic syndrome that includes obesity,
elevated blood pressure, and high levels of blood lipids. Unfortunately,
as more children become overweight, type 2 diabetes is becoming more
common in young people.
(Source: excerpt from Diabetes Overview: NIDDK)
Am I at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: NIDDK (Excerpt)
Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes or
noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. People
can develop type 2 diabetes at any age--even during childhood. In type 2
diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin and the fat, muscle,
and liver cells do not use it properly. Being overweight and inactive can
increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Treatment includes
taking diabetes medicines, making wise food choices, exercising regularly,
taking aspirin daily, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. (Source: excerpt from Am I at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: NIDDK)
Definitions of Type 2 diabetes:
A subclass of DIABETES MELLITUS that is not INSULIN-responsive or dependent (NIDDM). It is characterized initially by INSULIN RESISTANCE and HYPERINSULINEMIA; and eventually by GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE; HYPERGLYCEMIA; and overt diabetes. Type II diabetes mellitus is no longer considered a disease exclusively found in adults. Patients seldom develop KETOSIS but often exhibit OBESITY.
- (Source - Diseases Database)
Mild form of diabetes mellitus that develops gradually in adults; can be precipitated by obesity or severe stress or menopause or other factors; can usually be controlled by diet and hypoglycemic agents without injections of insulin
- (Source - WordNet 2.1)
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