Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, or Diabetes Mellitus, occurs when the body either cannot
utilise the insulin it produces or it fails to produce adequate insulin for
its needs. This means that the body is unable to regulate the amount of glucose
in the blood stream.
This form of diabetes can be very difficult to spot as there are few symptoms
although, as the condition worsens, sufferers often develop an excessive thirst
with the associated increase in the number of visits to the bathroom. Other
symptoms of type 2 diabetes include tiredness, weight loss, blurred vision,
nausea, increased appetite and problems with Candida.
During the digestion process enzymes break carbohydrates down into glucose
molecules. The glucose is absorbed through the small intestine into the blood
for distribution around the body where it is utilised by cells for energy and
repair. Glucose can also be stored by the liver and released at times when
insufficient glucose has been ingested for the body’s immediate requirements
e.g. during periods of exercise.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and released each time
food is taken into the body. Insulin is required to control the level of sugar
in the blood and it is also required by the cells of the body in order that
they can convert the glucose into energy.
It is important that glucose levels in the blood supply remain within a constant
range. When there is an inadequate supply of insulin or if the body cannot
use the insulin that is available, blood glucose levels are no longer maintained
at the optimum level and problems ensue.
The cells of the body rely on a regular supply of glucose to enable them
to function - if the supply is disrupted for any reason the cells effectively
starve. When glucose levels build up in the blood the smaller blood vessels
become damaged and this in turn can cause irreversible damage to the eyes and
the kidneys; nerves can also be damaged which reduces sensitivity to touch
and pain and interferes with the functioning of internal organs. If the high
glucose levels are left uncontrolled, heart attacks and strokes become a probability.
Type 2 diabetes is referred to as ‘late onset diabetes’ as it
usually occurs in men and women over the age of 40 years, although the condition
is now also being seen in obese children. Obesity seems to predispose people
to developing type 2 diabetes, especially when the excess weight is carried
around the middle of the torso.
There appears to be a genetic link with those who have a family history of
type 2 diabetes being more likely to develop it themselves. Those who have
high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels also seem to have an increased
likelihood of suffering from this condition.
Receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be shocking and worrying but
the first thing for patients to realise is that the condition can be controlled – often
simply by diet and lifestyle changes. There is no reason why type 2 diabetes
sufferers should not live long and happy lives – provided they take the
necessary steps to support their pancreas and stabilise glucose levels.
