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What is type 2 diabetes?

While diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar values, type 2 diabetes is also associated with a condition known as insulin resistance. While there is an element of impaired insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas especially when toxic levels of glucose occur (when blood sugars are constantly very high), the major defect is the body's inability to respond properly to insulin.

Eventually, even though the pancreas is working its best to produce more and more insulin, the body tissues (for example, muscle and fat cells) do not respond and become insensitive to the insulin. At this point, overt diabetes occurs as the body is no longer able to effectively use its insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Over time, these high levels of sugar result in the complications we see all too often in patients with diabetes.

What are the risks factors for developing diabetes?

The risk factor for developing diabetes actually varies depending on where a person lives. This is in part due to the environment the person lives in, and in part due to the genetic makeup of the family. In the United States, it is estimated that one in three males and two out of every five females born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes (the lifetime risk). It has also been calculated that for those diagnosed with diabetes before the age of 40, the average life expectancy is reduced by 12 years for men, and 19 years for women. The risk for developing diabetes increases in certain cases such as the following, genetics, ethnic background, birth weight, metabolic syndrome, obesity.

Type 2 diabetes prevention

While genetics plays an important role, an individual still has the ability to influence their health to prevent diabetes. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the biggest risk factors that are controllable. People should watch their

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