Type II diabetes is more common than type I diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation(IDF), 90 percent of those with diabetes have type II diabetes. Globally, more than 450 million people have diabetes. Yet, it is estimated that half of the people with type II diabetes are unaware that they have the condition.
What is type II diabetes?
Type II diabetes was formally known as adult-onset diabetes because it was common in middle-aged adults over 40. Today, it’s becoming increasingly common in children, teens, and young adults in their 20s.
With Type II diabetes, the body is unable to metabolize glucose. Eventually, high levels of blood sugar start to damage the internal organs of the body. Individuals with type II diabetes are still able to produce insulin. However, organs such as liver, fatty tissues, muscles absorb insulin inefficiently. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin.
Type II diabetes is a metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycemia; which is known as high blood glucose level. Also, in type II diabetes the inability to produce enough insulin occurs, later on, in the disease process.
If sugary diets were to be consumed, glucose spike would occur in an individual with type II diabetes.
What are the symptoms of type II diabetes?
Some of the symptoms of type II diabetes are similar to type I diabetes. However, type II diabetes symptoms often develop slowly over a period of months or even years. This makes it difficult for individuals to recognize any underlying symptoms.
Common symptoms of type II include
- Extreme fatigue
- Increased thirst and hunger.
- Sudden loss in muscle mass.
- Frequent urination.
Causes of type II diabetes
Type II diabetes occurs when the hormone insulin is inefficiently used by cells in the body. Yet, ineffective use of insulin results in the body becoming resistant which in turn causes glucose levels to rise.
In advanced type II diabetes, damage to insulin producing cells in the pancreas occur leading to insufficient insulin production for the body’s needs.
How is type II diabetes diagnosed?
Type II diabetes is diagnosed by analyzing the results of fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HBA1C.
Reversing type II diabetes
It’s now well established that type II diabetes can be reversed by adopting a sustainable lifestyle change. These can be through a low carb diet, Keto diet, Intermittent fasting, Very low-Calorie diet, and Bariatric surgery.
People with type II diabetes can also be prescribed with medication to support lifestyle change. For example, the drug metformin is commonly used for people with type II diabetes to assists the body respond to insulin.