Earlier I wrote about type 1 diabetes, so now it’s time to discuss type 2 diabetes (formerly referred to as Type II, “adult-onset,” or “non insulin-dependent” diabetes mellitus). Type 2 diabetes is not as straight-forward as type 1. Type 2 is often characterized by “insulin resistance,” a situation where cells in the body don’t recognize insulin. As a result, glucose can’t get into the cell (to make energy), and the liver releases glucose into the blood stream. Insulin resistance typically shows up as elevated blood glucose first thing in the morning before eating.
For a long time we thought of type 2 diabetes as occurring in adults, but now we know that it can happen any time. More and more children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We also know that while lifestyle can contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes, there’s more to it than that. There are genetic factors involved, and scientists are uncovering more clues about type 2 diabetes all the time.
As hard as a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is, one of the most important things is to free oneself from anger and guilt and move on. Learn about how to manage the disease, and prepare to make changes (small changes are great, in fact, I prefer to call them adjustments!).
The purpose of managing type 2 diabetes is to keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range in order to avoid damage to the blood vessels. People manage type 2 diabetes with a variety of approaches – some keep blood glucose levels stable with lifestyle changes, while others take medications. This is not a reflection on the person, but how their body responds to the disease.
Type 2 diabetes is complex, and no two people with type 2 are the same. With dedication and a positive attitude, people can live long, healthy lives with type 2 diabetes.