Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Type 2 diabetes mellitus describes a condition of hyperglycemia that occurs despite the availability of insulin. It accounts for 90% to 95% of persons with diabetes. It is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It occurs when the body does not respond correctly to insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
 
  • Diabetes is caused by a problem in the way your body makes or uses insulin.
  • If glucose does not get into the cells, there will be too much glucose in the blood

Symptoms of DM Type 2

  • Polyuria: Excessive urination
  • Polydipsia: Excessive thirst
  • Polyphagia: Excessive hunger
Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus
  • §Everyone over 45 should have blood glucose checked at least every 3 years.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight and keep an active lifestyle
Criteria for Diagnosing Diabetes Mellitus
  • §Casual plasma glucose concentration greater than 200 mg/dL
  • Fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL
  • 2-h post-load glucose greater than 200 mg/dL during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

§Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

  • §Self testing
  • Diet and weight control
  • Regular physical activity
  • Medication
Continuing Care
 
  • §Medical check up every 3 months with a diabetes care provider
  • Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) check, the 3 months average of the blood glucose level
  • Blood pressure check
  • Foot and skin examination
  • Ophthalmoscopy examination
  • Neurological examination

§Medication for Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

  • §Oral sulfonylureas
  • Buguanides
  • Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
  • Thiazolidinediones
  • Meglitinides
§
Possible Complications
  • §Diabetic retinopathy (eye disease)
  • Diabetic Coma
  • Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease)
  • Peripheral vascular disease (damage to blood vessels/circulation)
  • High cholesterol, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and coronary artery disease
§Foot Care
 
  • People with diabetes are prone to foot problems. Diabetes can cause damage to nerves, which means you may not feel an injury to the foot until a large sore or infection develops. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels, which makes it harder for the body to fight infection.

Diabetes Resources on the Web

Diabetes Mellitus PowerPoint Slide

Printer-friendly handouts for the PPT slides and additional resources (require Acrobat Reader*)

* Free downloads for Acrobat Reader & PPT viewer

For more information about these resources, please contact me:

Christianah Adekoya
Troy University School of Nursing
Troy, AL 36082
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The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this page are those of the author or organization and not necessarily those of Troy University or its officers and trustees. The content of this page has not been reviewed or approved by Troy University and the author or organization is solely responsible for its content.  Non-Troy University links may be provided for instructional support and community service. Their appearance does not constitute an endorsement by Troy University.

04/21/2008
cadekoya@troy.edu