Type 2 Diabetes Tips

Definition of Type 2 Diabetes

Up to 95% of the people diagnosed with diabetes in the United States have Type 2. Formerly called "adult onset diabetes", and now known as "non-insulin-dependent diabetes," it is also being seen in an increasing rate in children and teenagers in our country.

Type 2 diabetes has several factors that contribute to its etiology, including an underlying insulin resistance, and/or insufficient insulin production to meet the body’s needs. The person with type 2 diabetes does make some of their own insulin -- but their body cannot utilize it properly, or they do not make quite enough.
As a result, blood sugars go up.

According to 1997 ADA guidelines, diabetes can be diagnosed if:

1) a fasting blood sugar(one drawn
without eating for 12 hours prior)
glucose is above 126 mg/dl
2) a nonfasting (casual) sugar of 200
mg/dl or more is drawn and the
person has symptoms of diabetes
3) The person takes an oral glucose
tolerance test (GTT) and a plasma
glucose of 200 mg/dl occurs during
the test

It is important to seek regular medical care and follow your healthcare providers recommendations if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors for Developing Diabetes

Many people know someone who has diabetes. If it is a family-member, you are at increased risk for this genetically-influenced disease. But genetics is not the only factor that puts someone at risk for developing diabetes.

Obesity is a significant factor. Excess body fat impacts glucose metabolism, and can result in ketoacidosis if the body uses the fat as fuel.

Sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of diabetes, as exercise regulates your metabolism of food fuels, including sugar.

Age is also a factor, with it being more common in after the age of 60.

High cholesterol and blood pressure -- risk factors of heart disease -- are also risk factors for diabetes.

Ethnicity also plays a role in the development of diabetes. If you are an Alaska Native, American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander, you are at increased risk -- this plays into genetics.

There are also gender-specific risks, such as having gestational diabetes.

Talk to your doctor to see if you are at risk, and what steps you can take to decrease the chance that you will develop diabetes.