THE 3 STAGES OF TYPE 2 DIABETES by Reverend Sharleece Bellagosi

          Type 2 Diabetes is on the rise. Type 2 Diabetes used to be known as adult onset diabetes; however, type 2 diabetes no longer affects just adults. With the growing obesity in children, children are now developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes will be explained in 3 stages:

1.      Stage 1- The causes of  type 2 diabetes;

2.      Stage 2- The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes; and,

3.      Stage 3- The treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

4.      Stage 4- The worst case scenario.

     Stage 1, the causes of type 2 diabetes involve the beta cells that produce insulin in the pancreas not producing the amount of insulin that the body requires to metabolize glucose. The reason the beta cells may not produce enough insulin often is due to obesity, improper diet, lack of exercise, and lack of sleep. In fact, according to neuroscientist Orfeu Buxton from Boston’s Brighams and Womens Hospital, “Studies have shown that people who get less than 5 hours of sleep a night have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”

     Stage 2, the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes: excessive thirst, excessive urination, and excessive hunger. If a person is experiencing the above signs and symptoms he/she should make an appointment to have his/her blood sugar level checked.

     Stage 3, the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes are the same—diet and exercise. Since type 2 diabetes is not related to a malfunctioning pancreas, type 2 diabetes is reversible. The way to reverse type 2 diabetes is to lose weight, usually losing about 20 or 30 pounds will reverse type 2 diabetes. Then, maintaining the diet and exercise regimen will prevent the type 2 diabetes from returning.

     Stage 4, the worst case scenario involves the person who does not want to diet and exercise to reverse type 2 diabetes will receive medication intervention like insulin injection or oral insulin along with an order for diet and exercise. Type 2 diabetes becomes a problem if people with type 2 diabetes are noncompliant with Doctor’s orders. Complications like neuropathy (lack of feeling in the legs and feet), loss of sight, renal failure, and loss of legs and feet due to noncompliance with Doctor’s orders; therefore, following Doctor’s orders is the best policy for a person with type 2 diabetes.

    So, eat healthy and exercise to prevent type 2 diabetes.