Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin or to use the insulin produced in the proper way. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death among Americans; over 15 million Americans suffer from one form or another of this disease.

Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body’s main source of fuel. Type 2 diabetes is often preventable, but the condition is on the rise fueled largely by the current obesity epidemic.

Type 2 diabetes used to be known as maturity onset, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes. It develops mainly in people older than 40 (but sometimes occurs in younger people). In the UK about 3 in 100 people aged over 40, and about 10 in 100 people aged over 65, have Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in people who are overweight or obese. It also tends to run in families. It is also more common in South Asian and African-Caribbean people (often developing before the age of 40 in this group).

Managing your diabetes

Here are some steps you can take to manage your diabetes and help maintain your overall health and wellness â?? today and in the future:

â?¢ Donâ??t smoke

â?¢ Check your blood glucose levels regularly and keep them in your target range

â?¢ Keep your cholesterol and other blood fats in your target range

â?¢ Maintain a healthy weight

â?¢ Keep your blood pressure close to target level

â?¢ Take your medication as prescribed

â?¢ Manage your stress effectively

â?¢ Follow a balanced meal plan

â?¢ Be physically active

â?¢ Take care of your feet

â?¢ Regularly visit your dentist, eye care specialist (every one to two years) and

â?¢ Doctor

Treatment for Type II Diabetes

Regular Physical Activity: Regular exercise is important for everyone, but especially if you have diabetes. Regular exercise helps control the amount of glucose in the blood. It also helps burn excess calories and fat so you can manage your weight.

Monitoring treatment: Your treatment should be monitored regularly in a diabetes clinic. You may need to ‘step up’ treatment from time to time. For example, your blood glucose may be well controlled by lifestyle measures alone for a number of years. However, in time, you may need to add in one tablet. And then at a later time you may need to add in another tablet to keep your blood glucose level down.

Diet and Weight Control: Meal planning includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount of food, and eating meals at the right time. You should work closely with your health care provider to learn how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates you need in your diet. Your specific meal plans need to be tailored to your food habits and preferences.

Insulin: Insulin injections lower blood glucose. Only some people with Type 2 diabetes need insulin. It may be advised if your blood glucose level is not well controlled by tablets. The dose and type of insulin used varies from person to person. Sometimes insulin is used alone. Sometimes it is used in addition to tablets (such as metformin or a sulphonylurea).

Foot Care: People with diabetes are prone to foot problems. Diabetes can cause damage to nerves, which means you may not feel an injury to the foot until a large sore or infection develops. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels, which makes it harder for the body to fight infection.

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