Characteristics of Type Two Diabetes - Essay Example

The gastrointestinal tract then helps these nutrients to get absorbed into the bloodstream. After a meal, the level of glucose in the blood rises. This then triggers the pancreas to make hormone insulin and release it into the bloodstream. But people who are suffering from diabetes, their body either can’t make insulin properly or cannot respond to it. Insulin works as a bridge, which helps to open the doors to the cells and allows the glucose in. the glucose cannot get into the cells without the help of insulin; hence, it stays in the bloodstream.

This causes the level of sugar to remain high in the blood stream. A number of symptoms and health problems can be caused because of high sugar levels in the blood (Kids Health). Causes of Type 2 Diabetes When the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin, develops Type 2 diabetes. The exact reason for it is unknown, however, the contributing factors may be excess weight or and inactivity. A gland that is situated right below and behind the stomach is known as a pancreas.

This is where insulin- a hormone, comes from. Insulin is secreted in the bloodstream with the help of pancreas when food is eaten. Insulin helps in unlocking microscopic doors that allow sugar to enter into the cells. The amount of sugar is lowered in your bloodstream with the help of insulin. . Sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream after intestinal digestion and absorption. It is then with the help of insulin, that sugar enters the cells. The liver also acts as storage for glucose and manufacturing center.

When you have not eaten in a while and your sugar levels are low, then the liver metabolizes stored glycogen into glucose to keep your glucose level within a normal range. This process works improperly in type 2 glucose. Sugar is built up in your bloodstream instead of moving into your cells. This usually happens when your pancreas does not make enough insulin. In addition, at times your cells become resistant to the actions of the insulin (Type 2 Diabetes). Complications of Type 2 Diabetes There are probabilities of suffering many health problems if diabetes is not cured properly.

Blood vessels, nerves, and organs can be damaged because of large amounts of glucose. Even if the glucose level rises mildly, it can cause some serious effects in the long term- if the symptoms are not visible in the short run. Heart Disease and Stroke A person with diabetes is five times likely to have heart disease and stroke than someone without diabetes. There are increasing chances of the blood vessels being narrowed because of prolonged, poorly controlled glucose levels. This eventually leads to angina because of the poor blood supply to the heart.

Nerve damage The tiny blood vessels of your nerves can also be damaged because of the high glucose levels in the blood. This may often result in tingling or burning pain, which spreads from your fingers and toes up through your limbs. You may experience vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or nausea if the nerves in your digestive system are affected. Retinopathy A person’s eyes can also be affected due to diabetes.