A Brief Overview Of Adult Onset Diabetes

Adult onset diabetes is also referred to as Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, which usually occurs in children, requires insulin injections to control. Type 2 usually can be controlled with diet, exercise, and weight loss. Oral medications may also be prescribed if other methods fail.

Adult onset diabetes was so named because, historically, it occurred in those approaching middle age. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in cases among teens and young adults, and there have been instances involving children. Type 2 diabetes is considered a preventable condition in most cases, with the main causes listed as obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

Diabetes can be completely asymptomatic, meaning that many patients have no idea that their blood sugar is high. Others do not recognize the symptoms, which are usually not severe enough to disrupt their lives. Such warning signs include excess thirst, unexplained weight loss despite increased hunger, and frequent urination, particularly waking up at night to go. They may also experience numbness in their feet or hands, blurred vision, or dizziness.

Both types of diabetes can cause severe complications. There is an increased risk for circulatory problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage in the feet and legs. The risk for renal disease is also increased, and some studies indicate that it may also increase the risk for certain types of dementia.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot process the insulin produced. Insulin is used to move sugar through the bloodstream and direct it to cells for storage. Sugar that cannot be transferred to the cells and therefore must remain in the bloodstream can damage several of the internal organs. Fat cells are more resistant to insulin, which is why weight loss is often beneficial to diabetics.

A proper diet is also an effective way to treat adult onset diabetes. Meals should be eaten around the same time of day and consist of roughly the same proportion of protein to starches. Spinach, beans, barley, tomatoes, fat free dairy products, oatmeal, and citrus fruits are all recommended foods for a diabetic diet. Sugars should be reserved for a special treat and eaten after a meal during which limited carbohydrates have been consumed.