Learning About Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

People who don’t actually have diabetes probably aren’t aware that there is more than one type, let alone know what the differences are. So what are the differences between diabetes mellitus type 1 and diabetes mellitus type 2? Actually, there are a lot of them.

What Is Diabetes Mellitus type 2?

Obviously, diabetes mellitus type 2 is a form of diabetes. It was formerly known simply as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes. The disease is extremely different than diabetes mellitus type 1 in that the body still produces insulin; it’s just that the body can no longer metabolize sugar (also known as glucose) the right way. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is by far the most common type of diabetes affecting Americans today.

In diabetes mellitus type 2, the body’s cells no longer respond to insulin even when it’s present. Other things also contribute to the problem, like an increase in hepatic glucose production, decreased insulin glucose transport to muscle and even impaired beta-cell function.

The symptoms of diabetes mellitus type 2 are so mild that it can go undetected for years. There is no ketoacidosis or coma, for instance. That does not mean that the same complications can’t arise – renal failure, blindness, and coronary artery disease are all associated with diabetes mellitus type 2.

To prevent diabetes mellitus type 2, it’s a good idea to always make sure to get proper nutrition as well as regular exercise.

How Is It Treated?

Unlike diabetes mellitus type 1, which is called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, type 2 usually does not require insulin injections in treatment. However, it is classified as a “chronic disease” with two main treatment goals: preserving the quality of the patient’s life and the reduction of mortality associated with it. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is viewed as a progressive disease because poor blood sugar level management leads to complications that get worse.

When treating someone with diabetes mellitus type 2, doctors almost always advise lifestyle changes first. For instance, they commend important adjustments in the patient’s diet as well as either increased exercise or the beginning of an exercise regime. (This is more common for obese patients.) In some cases, these changes are enough to control blood sugar levels adequately!

Of course, coping with diabetes mellitus type 2 also requires self-monitoring of blood sugar levels. This is done with a meter that uses small amounts of blood to test those blood sugar levels. Diet changes include decreasing food intake or adjusting what types of food a person eats.

When treating diabetes mellitus type 2, it’s very important to get as educated as you can.