Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It starts when the body does not correctly respond to insulin, which is a hormone that is released by the pancreas. This is a lifelong disease that is caused by high levels of sugar being present in the blood.
It is not easily recognized at first because the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are not easily noticed, and there may not even by any symptoms at all. Things that could be considered symptoms of this disease include blurred vision, increased urination, erectile dysfunction, increased thirst, fatigue, increased appetite, and slow-healing or frequent infections.
When receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes, the main objective is to lower the level of glucose which is in the blood. Primarily, diet and exercise are the main treatments for type 2 diabetes. If treatment is not received early enough, or if the disease does not respond to treatment, it could lead to the disease causing complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and even the amputation of limbs.
To prevent complications and the need for medical care, there are certain activities and skills that people with type 2 diabetes can perform. Learning how to test and record their blood glucose is one of the main things a person with this disease can do to remain as healthy as possible. Knowing how to store diabetes supplies and where to find them is also very important. Knowing what and when to eat is also important. They can also learn how to handle days when they are sick, as well as recognizing and treating high and low blood sugar. When the need arises, they also must know how to take their medications.
It may take several months to learn the skills necessary to deal with this disease, but by continuing to educate themselves about this disease, people can learn to live with and control type 2 diabetes.