Pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus type 2 is similar yet different from type 1 and gestational diabetes. They share similar symptoms.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder where the body can not metabolize carbohydrates, proteins or fats because of a lack of proper amounts of hormone insulin. While there are three types of diabetes mellitus one of them is more common than the others. Type 2 diabetes mellitus affects over a million people in the United States alone. The pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus type 2 is more prevalent in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians as well as the older community.

Sufferers of Type 2 diabetes mellitus have bodies that either do not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin it does produce. In this case the insulin taken is used to utilize the glucose from food to avoid a build up of glucose in the system. This build up of glucose causes serious complications such as heart disease, circulation issues even blindness.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus, also known as adult onset diabetes, may include frequent urination, an unusual thirst, extreme hunger, an unusual weight loss and extreme fatigue and irritability, frequent infections, blurred vision, cuts and or bruises that are very slow to heal, may experience a tingling and or numbness in the hands and or feet and have some recurring skin, gum and or bladder infections. These symptoms are similar to those of type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes.

If you suspect that you may have a form of diabetes mellitus, you should consult with a physician right away. They will determine if there is a concern and may send you for blood testing after a fasting period. If it is determined that you are a diabetic you will likely be given a treatment of daily insulin doses. Typically this is a lifelong treatment and is combined with proper exercise and some dramatic changes in your daily diet. Special care will need to be taken to keep from ingesting any foods that will adversely affect your condition. Treatment for diabetes mellitus has come a long way. With proper care a long and happy life can be had by all diabetes patients.