Are you having difficulty controlling your blood sugar levels?

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body desensitizes to insulin, and/or loses its ability to produce enough insulin to adequately control blood sugar (glucose) levels.  Glucose molecules come from carbohydrate containing foods like vegetables, fruits, starch (breads, pasta) and more refined sources like candy etc. Typically when these foods are consumed, the body releases insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.  Insulin moves glucose into the cells where it can be used for energy production to fuel the many body processes.

In type 2 diabetes, the cells of the body either become unresponsive to insulin or the body stops producing enough of the hormone.  It is often caused by a poor diet and lack of exercise, however genetics can play a strong role as well.  A high sugar or starchy diet (breads, pasta etc) results in consistently high blood sugar levels which stresses the body’s insulin producing capabilities.  Eventually insulin levels decrease, thereby creating an external need for this hormone.

Symptoms develop gradually and often include: Fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds or sores.  Individuals often have few symptoms when they are in a pre-diabetic state however, so it is best to screen for the condition through regular blood tests.