Modern-day lifestyles are synonymous with food on the go and appalling sedentary habits. Given these factors, it is hardly a wonder that Diabetes is fast becoming one of the most common ailments to afflict at least 6% of the American population, with several more cases being reported every day. Diabetes can occur if the body does not produce enough insulin to metabolize the glucose in the blood, which is when the individual is said to suffer from Type 1 Diabetes. However, it is when the body produces insulin and yet, the cells are unable to make use of this insulin to metabolize the sugar, which then builds up in the blood, that the disease is classified as Type 2 Diabetes.



If you are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, it is important that you know that you are at a constant risk of your glucose levels dipping abnormally low. This is because your body is deprived of the energy it needs to function and this results in a condition called Hypoglycemia. You may feel dizzy, fatigued, confused and may sweat profusely. If not attended to in time, hypoglycemia also puts you at a risk of developing seizures or passing out. Hence, it is vital that as soon as you feel the first symptoms of Hypoglycemia, you immediately consume some form of sugar to boost the glucose levels in your blood. You can consume glucose tablets, some fruit juice or suck on a handful of hard candy for instant relief. For more severe symptoms, it is vital that you be rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment or be administered a glucagon injection.

Another grave symptom of Type 2 Diabetes is Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. This occurs when your body has too little insulin and thus cannot convert sugar into energy. This symptom is recognized by high levels of glucose in your blood and urine and you can tell if you are hyperglycemic if you feel thirsty a lot more than is usual or if you need to urinate more frequently than you otherwise do.

Deprived of the glucose it needs to fuel itself, your body then begins to convert fats or lipids into energy. This process of metabolism leads to the generation of Ketones as toxic byproducts. Your body does the best it can to eliminate these Ketones via urine, but there is still some amount of Ketones that stay behind. These build up in your blood and cause the potentially life-threatening Ketoacidosis. Once again, you need to take immediate action if you doubt that you're breath smells unnaturally fruity, or you feel breathless and nauseous.

A majority of the people who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes have also been known to contract Focal Neuropathy, where a segment of their nervous system is debilitated, leading to double-sightedness, pain and even partial paralysis. You are also at more vulnerable to developing Compressed Nerves where your brain is unable to perceive the signals transmitted by your nervous system. This may lead to the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, where you feel a tingling sensation in your fingertips and muscle aches.

The causes of Type 2 Diabetes range from the genetic, to the dietary and lifestyle to even your age and gender. Although you may be more likely to inherit diabetes if you have a family history of this disease, a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition may expedite the process. Also, the rising number of women diabetics is changing the perception that it is males who are more prone to the disease, while the alarming occurrence of Juvenile Diabetes has poked holes into the theory that it is only the elderly or the middle aged who are known to suffer from diabetes.

The most effective way to curb the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes is to simply follow a regular pattern of eating and exercise. Also, ensure that you never go without food for very long intervals and keep constant vigil over your glucose levels. Alert your physician in case of any abnormalities, no matter how minor they may seem and treat any signs of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia without a second thought. Although Diabetes may seem to pose severe hindrances in your routine functioning, if you follow these basic principles with a stoic adherence, you will soon discover a plethora of opportunities open up, which guide you towards a long, fulfilling and healthy life.