One known fact about Type two diabetes is that is the most common form of the disease. It makes up between 90 and 95% of all individuals who have it. Another fact is that the condition affects mostly adults. However, there are an increasing number of juveniles receiving Diabetes 2 diagnoses 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 anybody,regardless of their 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 oftenplace break down the insulin resistance that is a major factor in developing the disease. Another known 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 individuals with Diabetes 2 start with numbness. Due to the lack of sensation, people with Type two Diabetes often start getting infections and poor blood circulation problems. In the extreme end, 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 controlling the condition. Most sufferers do not require extra insulin. However, in some cases, patients may need to monitor their blood glucose and take insulin. And it may not always permanent if they initiate loss of bodyweight and eat right. Use a diagnosis as a wakeup call, not a death knell.
