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Common Complications Of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is known as a metabolic disorder because it affects how we use the food that we eat. As we eat many times a day and there is no cure for diabetes, it is a disease that can have a significant impact on a person's life. Diabetics have a problem with the hormone insulin. When food is eaten, mainly carbohydrates, it is metabolized so that glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the blood it can be transported throughout the body where it is used as energy by the body. When this occurs, the blood glucose level reduces from a high level to a normal level. This is the job of the hormone insulin. For diabetics the blood glucose level cannot be reduced because insulin is not created or the body is not sensitive to the insulin that is produced. As a result of this various health problems can occur. This article will first point out the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and then cover some health problems caused by type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is known as an autoimmune disorder. The body destroys the cells that produce insulin because it thinks they are harmful to the body. Thus no insulin is produced. Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as insulin resistance. The body produces insulin but for some reason the cells in the body do not react to it and become resistant. Another form of diabetes is gestational diabetes which starts during pregnancy and usually ends after the birth. It is similar to type 2 diabetes in that it is a resistance to insulin.

Type 1 can be managed through a combination of insulin injection, proper diet and regular exercise. Type 2 is the same, except that there is often no need to inject insulin. In some cases medication may be needed to make the body more sensitive to insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes Causes

The body simply stops recognizing or using insulin. This may be some cells in the body or all of them. It is thought that the cells that are resistant to insulin have lost the receptor that senses insulin. People that are overweight, particularly around the waist, are most at risk to type 2 diabetes because the fatty tissues around the waist create adipokines that are thought to reduce the body's tolerance to insulin.

Resulting Health Issues

High blood glucose levels most be reduced. If they are consistently high for long periods then certain parts of the body begin to suffer. These include the cardiovascular, immune and circulatory systems. High glucose levels in the blood change the makeup of the blood and this is thought to score or scratch the walls of the arteries when blood passes through. this can encourage LDL cholesterol to stick to the walls and lead to atherosclerosis and eventually heart disease.

Diabetes leads to poor circulation which can result in eyes problems. One such problem is known as diabetic retinopathy. The small blood vessels that surround the eyes stop getting blood. The body responds by creating more small blood vessels but they have weakened walls that are prone to burst. This will leak blood and other matter into the eye. This can impair vision or lead to blindness if not treated.

The extremities of the body, like the feet and hands are also affected by poor circulation. Blood does not get to them and this can lead to an increased susceptibility to infections and extra sensitivity to cuts and bruises.

The nervous system is also affected in people with type 2 diabetes. This means problems with feet, like cuts or infections are not felt and go unnoticed because people rarely look or see their feet.

The best treatment of type 2 diabetes is to manage your diet and exercise plans. Eat a balanced diet and get regular workouts. You may also try to lose weight if this is a problem as extra weight can worsen the condition.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Learn more about diabetic diet plans at www.diabeticdietsplan.com. The site features diets and eating nutritious diabetes foods and some common symptoms of diabetes.

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