Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Definition

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. This condition impacts the regulation of body processes, particularly glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis, resulting in various long-term health complications if not managed effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and genetic predisposition, making lifestyle choices a critical factor in its prevention and management.
2. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, where the body fails to produce insulin, individuals with Type 2 diabetes can produce insulin but their cells do not respond properly to it.
3. Common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds.
4. Long-term complications of Type 2 diabetes can affect various organs, leading to cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and eye problems.
5. Management of Type 2 diabetes typically involves lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, along with monitoring blood sugar levels and potentially medication to improve insulin sensitivity.

Review Questions

• How does insulin resistance contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus?
  • Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this condition, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, which is crucial for allowing glucose to enter the cells for energy. As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, this can cause further stress on the pancreas as it attempts to produce more insulin to overcome the resistance, ultimately resulting in impaired insulin secretion.
• Discuss the role of lifestyle factors in managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus and how they influence regulation of body processes.
  • Lifestyle factors play a significant role in managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus and directly influence the regulation of body processes such as metabolism and glucose homeostasis. Healthy eating habits can improve insulin sensitivity and help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity aids in weight management and enhances cellular response to insulin. Together, these lifestyle changes can lead to better control of blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of complications associated with the disease.
• Evaluate the long-term health consequences of poorly managed Type 2 diabetes mellitus on the body's regulatory systems.
  • Poorly managed Type 2 diabetes mellitus can lead to severe long-term health consequences that affect multiple regulatory systems within the body. Persistent hyperglycemia can damage blood vessels and nerves, resulting in complications like cardiovascular disease and neuropathy. Furthermore, chronic high blood sugar levels can impair kidney function, leading to diabetic nephropathy. In addition to physical health issues, these complications can disrupt metabolic balance and overall homeostasis, highlighting the importance of effective management strategies for individuals with this condition.

Related terms

Insulin:

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert food into energy and build cellular structures.

Hyperglycemia:

An abnormally high level of glucose in the blood, commonly associated with diabetes and its complications.