Type 2 Diabetes Essay

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions of people in the United States. There are two types of diabetes, and type 2 is the most prevalent type at 90% of all cases. Different from type 1 diabetes, which is a complete need for insulin replacement, type 2 diabetes is caused by a resistance to insulin made by the pancreas as well as a deficiency in insulin. This resistance and deficiency is usually caused by lifestyle risk factors including body weight, diet, and sedentary activity. Diet plays a major role because food eaten cannot be utilized the proper way when it comes to carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and “sugar”. Patient’s are at risk for hyperglycemia, an extreme level of blood glucose, when this disease process is happening, leading to damaging effects of the body systems.
Within the body, there is a balancing system of insulin and glucagon to maintain adequate levels of blood glucose. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is a major factor in controlling high levels of blood glucose when food in ingested and broken down into usable forms of energy. Glucagon, produced by the liver, is also a major factor in controlling low levels of blood glucose when there is not enough in the body to control a steady state of balance. When the insulin and glucagon are …show more content…
Daily blood glucose monitoring, quarterly A1c checks of red blood cells, and anti-diabetic medications are required to successfully control type 2 diabetes. A glucometer is a device used to check daily blood glucose levels with normal ranges being 70-100 mg/dL. A1c is a test of red blood cells evaluated every 3 months with normal ranges being under 6.5% of glucose in hemoglobin. With the monitoring interventions of daily blood glucose and A1c along with a change in diet, exercise, and the proper anti-diabetic medication, type 2 diabetes can be a well-managed and controlled area of overall