Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin in our body is responsible for bringing the sugar present in the blood to the cells in our body as sugar is the main fuel for our body cells. When this insulin is produced in lesser amount or is not used by the body in the necessary way, then the sugar level in our body increases. This leads to the disease we know as diabetes. The two main forms of diabetes are diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Type 2 diabetes falls under the family of diabetes mellitus and is one of the most common forms of diabetes that occurs in people. It is also a known fact that Type 2 diabetes is more common among African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.

Type 2 diabetes or Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a metabolic disorder. This type of diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. The term 'insulin resistance' means that though the body produces normal amounts of insulin, the insulin is not able to bring the normal response required from fat, muscle and cells. Also the term 'hyperglycemia' refers to the condition where the sugar level in blood is high or above normal levels.

Though this is a chronic disease and has no cure, type 2 diabetes can put under check by exercise and a regulated diet. As this would reduce the sugar level in blood as close to normal and also help in losing weight. Thus, the risk of long-term complications of diabetes is reduced. Though, this type of treatment seems simple, this is only the initial step of treatment. For many, regular exercise, regulated food and weight loss does not bring the blood sugar level to normal ranges. In such cases oral medicines are prescribed to keep the sugar level in normal ranges.

Though all this may seem scary, it does not mean people suffering from type 2 diabetes do not enjoy a long and healthy life. It only means that they need to be more careful in what they eat and make sure they regularly exercise. With simple modifications in their daily diet and scheduled daily exercise would make a lot of diiference.