Characteristics of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:

• Happens in 90 - 95% of persons diagnosed with diabetes
• Mostly in adults after 30 years of age (may occur at any age)
• Can go undetected for years
• Not prone to Ketoacidosis (see section on Ketoacidosis)
• Signs and Symptoms often not present
• Is a progressive disease

Signs and Symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Frequent yeast infections
• Occasionally frequent urination and excessive thirst

Cause:

• Strong genetic link
• Insulin resistance (more than enough insulin production; however, the insulin does not work properly at the cell wall)
• Insulin resistance is caused by obesity and lack of exercise
• Not enough insulin production

Treatment:

• Diet and exercise lifestyle changes are a must and first
• Self Blood Glucose Monitoring
• Education
• Add oral medication if diet and exercise is not successful
• Add insulin when above not successful

Goals of Treatment:

Blood glucose control goals should be set by a team comprised of the physician, patient, family members, and Certified Diabetes Educators (RN, RD). Goals should be individualized to fit patient characteristics and needs.

• To achieve near normal blood glucose/sugar control
• To prevent or postpone the development of retinopathy (eye disease), nephropathy (kidney disease), neuropathy (nerve damage), heart disease, and stroke
• Fasting blood glucose/sugar = 80-120 mg/dL
• Bedtime blood glucose/sugar = 100-140 mg/dL