Characteristic

Diabetes II  Characteristics:

* 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 Of Type II Diabetes:

* 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

Type II Diabetes 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