Diabetes is a health risk that affects millions of men and women around the world. It is, in fact, one of the six leading causes of death in North America. While diabetes is a condition that poses serious consequences, it can be effectively controlled through medical treatment and positive lifestyle changes.

There are actually three types of diabetes that affect adults. Type I diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a condition present at birth. Type II diabetes develops with age. The third type, gestational diabetes, occurs during pregnancy. Many of the symptoms are similar throughout the three types of diabetes, however each is unique in the onset and development.

Adult Type II Diabetes

One form of the disease, known as adult type II diabetes, is almost always associated with obesity. The actual cause of the disease is not clear. Adult type II diabetes causes the insulin to lose its effectiveness with age, resulting in a build-up of sugars within the blood. Medical practitioners refer to this condition as "insulin resistance". When this occurs, usually in the adult years, the patient is considered to have type II diabetes.

Many people in our generation suffer with adult type II diabetes. It's an extremely common occurrence that an estimated one in ninety adults live with every day. In the past, adult type II diabetes usually developed in older adults, but a new trend shows that the disease is affected men and women at a younger age.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin is produced in the pancreas, and allows the body to naturally regulate sugars. The failure of this biological regulation is a condition known as insulin resistance. This type of diabetes is also known as "beta cell failure". Some of the most common symptoms are as follows:

* A marked and sudden rise in the blood's glucose levels.
* Fat levels in the blood are increased. When this happens, arteries become susceptible to clogging, and serious heart conditions can occur.
* Blood pressure levels increase steadily.
* Gout, a condition of acute joint pain, may occur.

Symptoms Of Adult Type II Diabetes

The following symptoms can indicate a presence of adult type II diabetes, but may also be common to the other types of the disease:

* Sensations of extreme thirst
* Need to urinate frequently
* Excessive tiredness and chronic fatigue
* Sudden light or excessive weight loss
* Itchiness around the genitalia, caused by yeast infections common to diabetics
* Skin irritation and recurring infections

Treating Adult Type II Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with adult type II diabetes, you can take steps to make your life as normal and comfortable as possible:

* First and foremost, you'll need to alter your diet. Work with your doctor to determine a dietary plan that will keep your glucose levels in check.
* Increase your intake of fiber and eliminate as many fats as possible
* Learn to perform your own regular blood glucose level checks. If required, you may also need to inject yourself with insulin. These are essential tasks and you must be diligent in performing them.
* Keep your doctor's number within reach at all times. You need to be able to call for immediate medical help and expert advice, just in case of an emergency arises.

If you are one of the millions of people affected by adult type II diabetes, find out more about the disease and the treatments. Knowledge is a very powerful way to battle the disease, so take the time to learn all you can, and build a strong defense for the sake of your good health. Bernard Loten