Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes have stopped responding to the levels of insulin in their body. As the body become increasingly resistant to insulin, glucose builds up in the blood and body tissues are starved for energy. Type 2 diabetes occurs because either one or both of the following conditions exist:
There are some diabetes risks you can't control, like age and family history. Other risk factors such as your weight or blood pressure can be influenced by changes in physical activity and with loss.
One in three American adults has prediabetes. Prediabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels that are not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The condition often progresses to type 2 diabetes over time. In order to detect prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following guidelines:
Screen adults of any age who are overweight or obese with one or more risk factors:
Screen overweight children aged 10 years and older who have 2 or more of the following risk factors:
Do you have prediabetes? Take this risk test from the American Diabetes Association.
Men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women. Add to that the tendency men have to avoid talking about their health and a generally less healthy lifestyle than women, and you have a health issue men need to know about. Men also have a few unique diabetes symptoms to be aware of:
Logansport Memorial Hospital has a diabetes educator on-staff who works with men and women, helping them navigate through diabetes. Jill Weese, RN will work with you individually to determine what works for you in managing your diagnosis. Call her directly at (574) 753-1339 to set up an appointment, or ask your OB/GYN about a referral.