DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2

WHAT IS DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2?

Diabetes mellitus type 2 , or type 2 diabetes (abbreviated DM), is one type of diabetes. In DM, a problem with insulin prevents body cells from using sugar (glucose) in food.  Insulin is a chemical made by the pancreas.  Insulin helps sugar enter body cells, which use the sugar for energy.  DM involves poor responses of cells to insulin (insulin resistance) in type 2 DM, lack of insulin in type 1 DM, and too much sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia) in both types of DM. 

People of any age can have DM.  Type 2 DM occurs more often in overweight adults, especially those with diabetic relatives.  DM is a liflong illness

Another name for type 2 DM is adult-onset diabetes.

DOs and DON'Ts IN MANAGING DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2:

The DOs

• DO keep your blood sugar level near normal.


• DO exercise regularly.


• DO keep to a normal body weight.


• DO eat regular meals.


• DO eat healthy: whole-grain foods, fruit, vegetables, and high-quality protiens.  Avoid high-sugar, high-fat, and white flour foods.


• DO keep alchol intake low.


• DO have your eyes checked yearly and visit the dentist twice yearly.


• DO quit smoking.


• DO take good care of your feet.  Visit your podiatrist at least twice per year.


• DO call your doctor if you have a fever or vomiting and cannot eat or drink.


• DO call your doctor if you have high or low blood sugar levels that you cannot explain.

The DON'Ts

• DON'T smoke.


• DON'T drink liquor or high-sugar liquids.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT THE FOLLOWING SOURCES:

• Nation diaetes Information Clearinghouse

Telephone: 800-860-8747

website: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/diabetes.htm

• American Diabetes Association

Telephone:  800-DIABETES (800-342-2383)

Website: http://www.diabetes.org