Facts About Type 2 Diabetes

Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes have a genetic and environmental component. Having a predisposition to the disease coupled with an environment and lifestyle that are lacking in exercise and nutrition increases the risk of becoming a diabetic. With Type 2 Diabetes, diet, obesity and a lack of exercise all contribute to a disease that already has a very strong genetic component. However, it is less likely for an individual with a high genetic risk but who has healthy eating habits to acquire Type 2 Diabetes than is an individual who has less of a family history but primarily eats foods high in fat and low in fiber.

When a child has both parents who are diabetic, their risk for becoming diabetic increases to 1 in 2. If a child's parents do not emphasize regular exercise and do not consume a wide variety of healthy foods such as grains, fruits and vegetables, the child learns from this environment and greatly increases the likelihood of acquiring Type 2 Diabetes due to the genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Type 2 Diabetes is also known as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, although children are becoming more prone to being diagnosed than every before. In this disease, the pancreas, which is part of the digestive system, still produces insulin but either does not produce enough or the body is utilizing it ineffectively.

Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes can monitor their glucose levels and adjust their diet and exercise. There should be consistent communication with their doctor to ensure that the disease is being properly monitored. Furthermore, there are also oral medications available to assist in regulating the blood glucose levels when diet and exercise modifications are not sufficient.