Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk Factors and Symptoms
In type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly, this is called insulin resistance. To combat this, the pancreas will produce extra insulin to make up for your insulin resistance but over time the pancreas isn’t able to keep your blood glucose levels normal.
Some people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose with healthy eating and exercise. You may also need oral medications or insulin to help keep your blood sugar readings on target. Type 2 diabetes usually gets worse over time.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
- Age – As you get older your risk for developing type 2 diabetes goes up.
- Race – African Americans, Mexican Americans, American Indians, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Family History – If your mother, father, sister, or brother has diabetes, your risk goes up.
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Overweight
Common symptoms of diabetes:
- Frequent urination
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
- Feeling very tired
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet
**Some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so minor that they go unnoticed.**
Speak with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of diabetes. Early detection and treatment helps decrease the risks of developing complications of diabetes.
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
Tags: blood glucose, diabetes, insulin, mellitus, pancreas, risk factors, symptoms, type 2 diabetes
