Type II Diabetes: Disease Analysis

This paper discusses the various aspects of Type II Diabetes, such as its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Type II Diabetes is caused by numerous factors including genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices (i.e. diet and physical activity), environmental influences, medications, and other medical conditions. In order to diagnose Type II Diabetes a person must have either a fasting plasma glucose level greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl on two occasions or an oral glucose tolerance test with a value greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl at 2 hours post-load. Common symptoms of Type II Diabetes include increased thirst and urination; extreme hunger; blurry vision; slow-healing cuts and bruises; sudden weight loss; fatigue; and frequent infections.

Treatment for Type II Diabetes is usually a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications. Lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet low in calories and saturated fats, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing stress. Medications used to treat Type II Diabetes may include insulin secretagogues (such as sulfonylureas), biguanides (such as metformin or Glucophage), thiazolidinediones (such as pioglitazone or Actos) or DPP-4 inhibitors (like sitagliptin/Januvia). In addition, some people with Type II Diabetes may need to take supplemental insulin. In general, controlling blood sugar levels is the goal of treatment for Type II Diabetes.

Overall, understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Type II Diabetes is important in order to properly manage this condition and reduce its risk factors. Through lifestyle modifications and medications it is possible to effectively control blood sugar levels and improve quality of life for those living with Type II Diabetes.

It is also beneficial to understand the complications associated with Type II Diabetes. Left unmanaged or uncontrolled high blood glucose levels can lead to long-term organ damage including heart attack, stroke, nerve and kidney damage, blindness, gum infections, erectile dysfunction, as well as other serious health issues. It is important to note that while these serious complications are a risk factor they are not inevitable if the disease is managed and treated properly.

In conclusion, Type II Diabetes is a serious condition that requires medical attention and lifestyle modifications in order to effectively manage it. With proper management, those living with Type II Diabetes can lead healthy lives free of complication risks. It is best to consult with a physician or health care professional for diagnosis and treatment advice.

References:

American Diabetes Association (2018). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes - 2018 Abridged for Primary Care Providers. Diabetes Care, 41(Suppl 1), S11-S24.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019). What are the Complications of Diabetes? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes