Diabetes mellitus or type II diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way our body metabolizes sugar (glucose), which is the main source of fuel for all activities carried out inside the body. Type 2 diabetes is often preventable, but the condition is on the rise.

Insulin is the hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar into the cells. When someone has type 2 diabetes, the body either becomes completely resistant to the effects of insulin or it produces some, but not enough, insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. If left uncontrolled, the consequences of type 2 diabetes can be life - threatening.

Type 1 diabetes on the other hand is a similar, although much less common, condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

There's no cure for type 2 diabetes, but there's plenty that can be done to manage - or prevent - the condition. One can start by eating healthy foods, including physical activity in our daily routine and maintaining a healthy weight. If diet and exercise aren't enough, the patient may need diabetes medications or insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels in the body.

Type 2 diabetes can be easy to ignore, especially in the early stages when the patient is feeling fine. But diabetes affects many major organs, including heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Keeping the blood sugar level close to normal most of the time can dramatically reduce the risk of these complications. Some common complications associated with DM are -

• Diabetes can dramatically increases the risk of various cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke, narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and high blood pressure.
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Kidney damage (Nephropathy)
• Damage to eye and vision (retinopathy)
• Risk of increased Foot infections and ulcers in foot.

Oral anti-diabetes drugs may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes — but healthy lifestyle choices remain essential and hence the role of disease management programs becomes crucial.

Not everybody having diabetes will start having symptoms immediately. Some of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes may even seem harmless at first. In fact, many people have type II diabetes for years and do not even know it.

Some common symptoms of Depression may include :

Increased thirst and frequent urination : In diabetes, as excess sugar builds up in our bloodstream, fluid is pulled from other tissues. This may leave a patient thirsty. As a result, they may drink and urinate more than usual.

Extreme hunger : Without enough insulin to move sugar into the cells, muscles and other organs become depleted of energy. Due to this depletion of energy, intense hunger can be triggered that may persist even after one eats some food.

Weight loss : Despite eating more than usual to relieve the constant hunger, a patient with Diabetes may lose weight. Without the energy & sugar supplies, the muscle tissues shrink and fat stores get depleted.

Fatigue : Since the cells are deprived of sugar, a person may become tired and irritable.

Blurred vision : Since the blood sugar level becomes too high, fluid may be pulled from other tissues - including the lenses of our eyes. This may affect your ability to focus.

Slow-healing sores or frequent infections : Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and fight infections. Hence there is an increased risk of acquiring infections and the rate of healing becomes slow.

Bladder and vaginal infections can be a particular problem for women.

Acanthosis nigricans : Some people who have type II diabetes may have patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies - usually in the armpits and neck. This condition, called Acanthosis nigricans, is a sign of insulin resistance.

Make a commitment to managing your diabetes : Learn all you can about type II diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine. Establish a relationship with a diabetes educator, and ask your disease management team for help when you need it.

Identify yourself : Wear a tag or bracelet that says you have diabetes. This will help in case there is an emergency and you cannot communicate about your status.

Schedule a yearly physical and regular eye exams : During the physical examination, a doctor will look for any diabetes-related complications, as well as screen for other medical problems. The eye check up will check for signs of retinal damage, cataracts and glaucoma.

Keep your immunizations up-to-date : High blood sugar can weaken your immune system. Get a flu shot every year, and get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. Your doctor may recommend other immunizations as well.

Take care of your teeth : Diabetes may leave you prone to gum infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss your teeth once a day, and schedule dental exams at least twice a year.

Pay attention to your feet : Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water. Dry them gently, especially between the toes, and moisturize with lotion. Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, sores, redness or swelling. Consult your doctor if you have a sore or other foot problem that doesn't start to heal within a few days.