The Reality of Type 2 Diabetes

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An annual physical occasionally has unexpected results. Patients are often shocked upon being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as it seems to come out of nowhere. Common first reactions include confusion, denial, anger, anxiety and a sense of defeat. The mind starts to explain this information with thoughts such as the doctor is mistaken, the test is faulty, or I feel healthy. This quickly morphs into feeling betrayed by one’s body and questions of why this is happening. Most people have a general idea of what diabetes is but misconceptions about the causes, treatment and types of diabetes lead to inappropriate management of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that can be managed by working with health professionals to understand what it is, persons at risk, implement treatment, prevent complications and lead an active and healthy life.

Managing type 2 diabetes starts with acquiring an understanding of what the disease is and how it affects the body. Type 2 diabetes has been described as non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) or adult onset diabetes. The pancreas creates a hormone called insulin which is used as a vehicle to transport glucose from the blood to the cells. The body takes sugars and starches and converts them into glucose use as fuel by ones cells. When the body fails to use or produce enough insulin, unused glucose amasses in the blood. The inability of the body to use glucose results in inadequate fuel delivered to the cells needed to produce energy. Glucose is used by the body similar to gasoline and oil in a car, without one there is a lack of function and without the other deterioration of the engine happens.

Diabetes is an increasing epidemic that affects many Americans. The Center for Diseas...

... middle of paper ...

...pealing, water is better for the body and could eliminate the need for the extra walk around the park to burn off those extra carbohydrates.

Works Cited

“Diabetes Basics: Type 2.” American Diabetes Association. Web. 21 June 2011.

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“Diabetes Research and Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 5 Apr. 2011.

Web. 21 June 2011.

“Diabetes Symptoms: When Diabetes Symptoms are a Concern” Mayo Clinic.12 Oct. 2010.

Web. 21 June 2011.

“National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2011.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2011.

Web. 21 June 2011.http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf

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