A Look at Type 2 Diabetes: Part II

Are there risk factors to developing type 2 besides family history? Yes, although we don’t understand why someone gets it while others don’t, we can point out risks that can be corrected which will help in avoidance of developing type 2.

The definition of diabetes by the Concise Heritage Dictionary is, “Any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive discharge of urine with excessive thirst”. Does this mean that because you drink water all the time you are diabetic? No! It does not necessarily apply without signs of other symptoms.

• Weight - One of the highest indications for developing type 2 diabetes. Being over weight and holding that weight around your upper body, especially around your stomach is a high risk to your cells becoming resistant to your own insulin. Age - As we get older our bodies start wearing out, process’s slow, hard living and eating with less exercise especially after the age of 45 causes weight gain and loss of muscle mass. Diabetes has also increased dramatically among children and young adults. One reason maybe because of the high increase of carbohydrate intake combined with an inactive life style.
• Race - According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 6 percent of the population has diagnosed diabetes. That percent doubles blacks and Hispanics and more than doubles for American Indians.
• Family History - You have a greater risk if you have a close family member, parent or sibling with type 2. Researchers have found there is a particular gene that increases this risk. If you have inherited two copies of this gene variant, you have an 80 percent higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Inactivity - When you are inactive, your risk increases greatly to develop type 2 diabetes. When you are not active you gain more weight and lose muscle. Activity uses up the glucose your body produce’s and helps your cells respond better to your insulin production. Activity also helps blood flow and circulation increases even in the tiny blood vessels. Exercise builds muscle and your muscles absorb glucose. We’re not talking about all that exercise you get using the remote, but actual walking or yard work, swimming, etc. Just do it!
• Depression - People who are depressed often gain weight and are less active.
• Gestational diabetes - If you developed gestational diabetes or if your baby weighed more than 9 pounds, you are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Complications of diabetes are many and extreme. So if you don’t monitor you blood sugar levels and control them you can expect to experience one, if not most, of them.

They include, and are not limited to: Hyperosmolar state which results from high blood sugar and causes the presence of excess molecules in the blood; this can cause a coma in the elderly. Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease—research has found that people with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to suffer with this debilitating disease.

Researchers are also finding that diet and exercise plays a large part in controlling type 1 and 2. Following a diabetic diet recommended by the ADA, which is a balanced diet of less fat and sugars with more fresh fruit and vegetables. Weight reduction and exercise are also important in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It’s because activity increases the sensitivity to insulin which decreases the resistance to insulin and blood glucose levels are more easily normalized.

Foods high in vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content can help reduce the complications of this disease and control the condition itself.

Important nutrients for diabetics include High Potency B-complex, vitamins C, E, D, Chromium, Selenium, Magnesium, CoQ10, Omega 3 and monounsaturated oils.

So if you have diabetes type 1 or 2, hope is not lost. Counsel with your doctor and dietician, follow a healthy diet, exercise, take good quality vitamins that include antioxidants and minerals, and lose weight! You can live a long and healthy life.