An Overview of Type II Diabetes (Non-Insulin-Dependent)

Type II (or non-insulin-dependent) diabetes is milder than the insulin-dependent type. Type II diabetes is typically a disorder of middle and old age, striking those primarily over the age of 40. As obesity has became rampant, Type II diabetes, to which obesity's make job contributor, has become more prevalent, especially at earlier ages. Many children and adolescents are now type II diabetics. This type of diabetes is increasing at astronomical rates.

A good deal is known about the mechanisms that trigger Type II diabetes. Glucose metabolism involves a delicate balance between insulin production and insulin responsiveness. As food is digested, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood, where it travels to the liver and other organs. Rising levels of glucose in the blood trigger the pancreas to secrete insulin into the blood stream. When this balance goes away, it sets the stage for Type II diabetes.

First, cells in muscle, fat, and liver lose some of their ability to respond fully to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance, in response to insulin resistance, the pancreases temporarily increase its production of insulin. At this point, insulin-producing cells may give out, with the result that insulin production falls, and the balance between insulin action and insulin secretion becomes deregulated, resulting in Type II diabetes. The symptoms include frequent urination; fatigue, dryness of the mouth, impotence, irregular menstruation, loss of sensation, frequent infection of the skin, gums, or urinary system, pain or cramps in legs, feet or fingers, show healing of cuts and bruises, and intense itching and drowsiness.