Tag: Type 2 Diabetes

This weekend KineticShift.com shares a very personal story – one that affects hundreds of millions of people around the world. Stuart Bates is one person who recently learned he has diabetes mellitus type 2, formerly known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. At present there are approximately 285 million people with the disease worldwide, up from just 30 million in 1985. This shocking increase has seen a rise in parallel with obesity rates, which is thought to be the primary cause of type 2 diabetes in people who are genetically predisposed to the disease.

This metabolic disorder is characterized by high blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90 percent of cases of diabetes with the other 10 percent due primarily to diabetes mellitus type 1 and gestational diabetes. Classic symptoms are excess thirst, frequently having to urinate, and constant hunger. Long-term complications from high blood sugar can include heart attacks, strokes, diabetic retinopathy (where eye sight is affected), kidney failure (which may require dialysis), and poor circulation of limbs leading to amputations.

However, type 2 diabetes is initially managed by increasing exercise and dietary modification. If blood glucose levels are not adequately lowered by these measures, medications such as metformin or insulin may be needed. For those on insulin there is typically the requirement to routinely check blood sugar levels. Stuart’s First Hand Account after the jump