Diabetes is sometimes referred to as a metabolic disorder because it becomes a problem when we eat food. Diabetics have a problem with the production of insulin. Insulin is produced when a person eats some food, in particular, carbohydrate types of foods. Carbohydrates get broken down by the body to form glucose that is absorbed into the bloodstream. In the bloodstream it can be transported to all the cells in the body and gives them energy. During this metabolic process the glucose levels in the blood reduce from a high level to a normal number. Insulin is responsible for reducing glucose in the blood. For diabetics this cannot be done because they do not produce insulin or the body is resistant to naturally occurring insulin. This means they have to take medication or inject insulin to get over this problem. This article will discuss the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes and then list some of the common health problems caused by type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. The immune system thinks that the beta cells in the pancreas, that create insulin, are foreign and destroys them. Type 2 diabetes is more to do with insulin resistance. The body continues to produce insulin but the body does not respond to the insulin as it used to. Diabetes during pregnancy is another type of diabetes that is similar to type 2 diabetes in that it is resistance to the naturally occurring insulin.

Type 1 can be managed through a combination of insulin injection, proper diet and regular exercise. Type 2 is the same, except that there is often no need to inject insulin. In some cases medication may be needed to make the body more sensitive to insulin.

The Cause Of Type 2 Diabetes

Simply put, the cells in the body stop recognizing or processing insulin. Cells in this condition are believed to have lost the receptor that senses insulin. How this occurs is not completely clear however people that have large stomachs are thought to be most at risk to type 2 diabetes. The fatty deposits around the waist produce adipokines that are believed to reduce the body's tolerance to insulin.

Resulting Health Issues

It is important to manage blood glucose levels. If they are high for long periods of time then the consistency of the blood affects many areas of the body that it flows to. In particular, it can score the inner walls of the arteries. This makes it more likely that LDL cholesterol that passes through the arteries with the blood will stick to the inner walls. This is the cause of atherosclerosis and can lead to blood clots and strokes when bits of LDL cholesterol break off the walls and obstruct the flow of blood.

Poor circulation is another problem brought about by type 2 diabetes. Poor circulation can lead to a number of problems including eye conditions. Diabetic retinopathy is one such example. The capillaries that bring blood to the eyes die because they stop getting blood. This forces the body to create more capillaries to support the eyes but they are weaker than the original capillaries and may burst or leak blood. this goes into the eye and can cloud the vision or even lead to blindness.

Poor circulation also leads to problems with the extremities of the body, notably the hands and feet. They do not get adequate supplies of blood that keep them healthy and more resistant to bacteria and infections.

For areas like the feet, cuts, bruises and infection are often ignored because the feet are meant to be tough. This is worse for diabetics becuase the nervous system is weakened. this means an warning of foot problems like pain may not be felt and acted on. This can lead to more problems, especially as it takes longer to heal foot problems in a diabetic.

The best treatment of type 2 diabetes is to manage your diet and exercise plans. Eat a balanced diet and get regular workouts. You may also try to lose weight if this is a problem as extra weight can worsen the condition.