PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

In type 2 diabetes, the body either produces inadequate amounts

of insulin to meet the demands of the body or insulin resistance
has developed. Insulin resistance refers to when cells of the body
such as the muscle, liver and fat cells fail to respond to insulin,
even when levels are high. In fat cells, triglycerides are instead
broken down to produce free fatty acids for energy; muscle cells
are deprived of an energy source and liver cells fail to build up
glycogen stores.
This also leads to an overall rise in the level of glucose in the
blood. Glycogen stores become markedly reduced and there is
less glucose available for release when it may be needed. Obesity
and lack of physical activity are thought to be major causes of
insulin resistance.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The objective symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

Increased thirst
Increased hunger (especially after eating)
Dry mouth
Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
Blurred vision
Headaches
Loss of consciousness (rare)
Itching of the skin (usually around the vaginal or groin area)
Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
Decreased vision

The subjective signs of type 2 diabetes:

o Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and

feel hungry)
o Slow-healing sores or cuts
Frequent yeast infections
Recent weight gain or unexplained weight loss
Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit, and
groin, called acanthosis nigricans
Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
Decreased vision

Impotency

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include2:

Being overweight (body mass index [BMI] of 25 kg/m2 or higher)

or obese (BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher)
Family history of diabetes in a first-degree relative (ie, mother,
father, sister or brother)
Race/Ethnicity other than Caucasian, such as African American,
Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian and Alaska Native,
Asian American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
History of diabetes during a pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
Previously gave birth to a large baby (more than 9 pounds)
Physical inactivity
High blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher) or on therapy for
high blood pressure
Low HDL cholesterol (less than 35 mg/dL) and/or high triglyceride
levels (greater than 250 mg/dL)
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Diagnosed with prediabetes
History of heart problems

Although long-term complications of diabetes

develop gradually, they can eventually be
disabling or even life-threatening. Some of the
potential complications of diabetes include:

Heart and blood vessel disease.

Nerve damage (neuropathy
Kidney damage (nephropathy).
Eye damage.
Foot damage.
Hearing impairment.
Skin conditions.
Alzheimer's disease.

PREVENTION
Check your risk of diabetes.
Manage your weight.
C Exercise regularly.
Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
Limit takeaway and processed foods.

Limit your alcohol intake.

Quit smoking.
Control your blood pressure.
Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
See your doctor for regular check-ups.
NUTRIONAL THERAPY:

The DASH Diet

The Mediterranean Diet
Mark Bittman's VB6 Diet
The Volumetrics Diet
The Biggest Loser Diet
American Diabetes Association Carbohydrate Counting
Ornish Diet/The Spectrum
Weight Watchers
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