One fact about Type 2 Diabetes is that is the most common form of the disease. It makes up between 90 and 95% of all people who have it. Another fact is that the disease affects mostly adults. However, there are an increasing number of juveniles receiving diagnoses for it every year. Another fact is that those with a family history of this disease have a substantially higher risk of developing it themselves. This is especially true in those of African, Asian, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent. One very important fact is that anyone, no matter there heritage, can develop this form of diabetes if they become obese.
One fact many people are not aware of is that those with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes often can treat it with diet and exercise. These changes often break down the insulin resistance that is a major factor in developing the disease. Another fact is that it can lead to dehydration in some cases. As glucose builds in the blood stream, it has to go somewhere. The kidneys regularly flush this out through urination. That is one reason why so many people with diabetes have frequent urination urges. However, when this happens too often it can leave the person dehydrated as a result. Another fact that patients need to know is that severe dehydration can lead to a diabetic coma.
Another fact that patients with Type 2 diabetes should know is that high glucose over time can damage the blood vessels in most vital organ systems. It can also lead to hardening of the arteries. It is a leading contributor to heart attacks and strokes as well. People hear of diabetic patients needing a foot or leg amputated. This happens when the disease begins doing intensive nerve damage in the extremity. Many patients begin with numbness. Due to the lack of sensation, the patient often begins getting infections and poor circulation problems. As an extreme probabilty, this can lead to amputation.
Facts about Type 2 diabetes must look at treating the disease once it happens. As stated before, diet and exercise are common ways of treating the disease. Most people do not need extra insulin. However, in some cases, patients may need to monitor their blood glucose and take insulin. This is not always permanent if they begin to lose weight and eat right. Use a diagnosis as a wakeup call, not a death knell.
Tags: diet, exercise, Facts, Type 2 diabetes
