Insulin resistance affects over 60 million Americans. Type 2 Diabetes will occur in one out of four of these people. Insulin resistance occurs when the body fails to respond in a proper way to the insulin that the pancreas is already producing. The cells throughout the body become resistant to the insulin manufactured by the pancreas, making it more difficult for the glucose (sugar) to enter the cells, thereby causing elevated glucose levels in the bloodstream. Researchers have not yet discovered the cause of Type 2 Diabetes or of insulin resistance. Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes: : -Family History of Diabetes -Obesity -Physical Inactivity -Older Age -Race (Especially Black, Hispanic, and American Indian) Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms: -Excessive Thirst -Excessive Urination -Excessive Hunger -Unexplained Weight Loss -Slow Healing Sores -Dry and Itchy Skin -Loss of Feeling in the Feet -Tingling in the Feet -Blurry Vision Type 2 Diabetes is associated with increased risk for : -Heart Disease -Stroke -Kidney Disease -Blindness -Limb Amputation The World Health Organization stated that there is an apparent epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes that is strongly related to lifestyle and economic change. Over the next decade the projected number of diabetics will exceed 200 million, possibly reaching 250 million. This means that you or someone you care about may already have Type 2 Diabetes. You may be developing Type 2 Diabetes if you are : -Aging -Eating an unhealthy diet -Living a non-active lifestyle -Overweight. Type 2 Diabetes can occur at any age. Early detection and intervention are essential to the control and prevention of complications. |
