Type 2 Diabetes
by: Dr. Mark S. Johnson
Type 2 diabetes is sometimes referred to as mature onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type I. In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas either does not produce adequate levels of insulin or the body becomes resistant to its own insulin.
Type I diabetes, also known as adolescent diabetes, differs from Type 2 in that the body stops producing insulin altogether. Type I diabetes is generally diagnosed in children or young adults. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in older adults, however, it is becoming substantially more prevalent in the younger population.
With the onset of diabetes, whether it be Type I or Type 2, we lose our ability to adequately utilize sugar. When this occurs, blood sugar levels increase due to the body’s inability to transport sugar into the cells and out of the blood stream. Sugar is very important in that it is the basic fuel source for the cells in our bodies. Insulin is necessary for the transport of sugar from the blood and into the cells.
Diabetes is a serious condition and can lead to many other health problems. Some problems that diabetics commonly encounter are an increased risk for heart and circulatory problems, high blood pressure, visual problems and blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage. With the diagnosis of diabetes, it becomes extremely important that blood sugar fluctuations are tightly controlled. With good control of blood sugar levels and the prevention of prolonged periods of elevated blood sugar, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.
Fortunately for the newly diagnosed diabetic, there are more and more tools available to help monitor and control the condition. Glucose meters are becoming smaller and easier to use. Blood samples necessary for glucose meter use are much smaller than in the past. Painful finger pricks can now be avoided with blood samples being able to be taken from alternate, less sensitive areas, such as the forearm. In the relatively near future, there will be non-invasive glucose monitoring devices not requiring a sample of blood at all.
A simple blood test, known as the A1c test, can measure the average blood glucose levels over the previous three months. This test is a very good way to monitor and critique how effective current treatments, diet, medications, etc. have been recently. This test is now available for home use and as such does not even require a visit to the doctor.
(continued...)
Type 2 Diabetes
Page 2
About The Author
Dr. Mark S. Johnson, D.C., FAFICC, QME is a doctor of chiropractic medicine, specializing in nutrition and exercise. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Forensic and Industrial Chiropractic Consultants and a Qualified Medical Evaluator for the State of California.
|
|
Nature's Solutions For Your Skin Problem
The face is a part of the body that every one desires to keep as its best, because it’s the most visible part of our body. So, if this important part becomes disfigured, an emotional reaction occurs...
What Is Endometriosis And Common Symptoms
Endometriosis is a condition that can prevent pregnancy in a woman. It is a disease that is fairly common and can afflict women from their first menstrual cycle through menopause. In rarer cases, end...
Exercise the Right Way to Boost Your Energy
There are two main types of exercise. Aerobic and Anaeobic exercise. Let's start with the first one. Aerobic literally means with oxygen. Aerobic exercise has an important distinction; it burns fat a...
Sleep Sanctuaries, The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of
Sleep isn't just one of those things that kills time until we can get up and get busy again! Sleep is critical to our mental and physical wellbeing. Without it our immune systems are weakened-the num...
Dieting Attitude
There are several factors in winning at weight loss. Sometimes the food isn’t the culprit, it’s your attitude. Here’s a list that will help you with your diet and exercise program and you could eve...
Massage That Bridges The Space Between Body And Spirit
For many individuals, massage has evolved from a periodic indulgence to a key component of an overall health and fitness regimen. The ability of massage to reduce stress and remedy various physical a...
Refrigerator Water Filters vs. Bottled Water: Round 1
Water is the single most important element for human existence, yet many people do not know much about water. Water comprises 60% of a human’s body weight, counts for 80% of our blood, and comprises ...
|