Nutrition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 11

Nutrition - Essay Example Type 2 diabetes, which was previously known as non insulin dependent diabetes, affects most people with diabetes and unlike people with type 1 who have problems with insulin production, the pancreas of people with type 2 diabetes will produce insulin, but it will not be enough or the body will not use the insulin efficiently (NIDDK). This insulin resistance undermines the uptake of glucose into the body cells and this makes glucose build up in the blood rather than being absorbed into the cells for proper metabolism. This implies that the cells will not be able to function properly as they lack the energy provided by glucose, which is required for proper cell functioning. However, cause of type 2 diabetes vary and can be a multiple of factors such as inheriting from family, obesity, lack of exercise. Although not everyone with type 2 diabetes is obese, lack of exercise and obesity are the major causes of diabetes. Excess amounts of glucose in the bloodstream are known to cause various complications in the body as the cells are not able to work properly due to lack of energy. High glucose levels damage the body and over time may destroy nerves, eyes, kidneys and the heart. With time, the high glucose levels will harden large arteries, which may cause a heart attack as the heart is unable to pump blood into the body sufficiently and can also cause stroke. Damaging of the nerves and hardening of arteries has the effect of decreased ability of sensation and blood circulation in the feet, which increases chances of infections and ulcers, which are hard to heal and this can lead to amputation. The high concentration of glucose in the body also causes, dehydration as it will cause an increase in frequency of urination and this makes the kidney lose glucose through urination and also water through the urine and this causes dehydration