Type II Diabetes

In Type II Diabetes the body makes insulin but it is not as effective in controlling the metabolism as it should be. This is called "insulin resistance".  People who are overweight and/or inactive are at a higher risk for developing Type II Diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone needed to convert sugar (glucose) starches and other foods into energy necessary for daily life. Insulin resistance means that the insulin cannot act normally to keep blood sugars in the desired range. Because of the decreased action of the insulin, increased amounts of insulin are made initially. Later, the amount of insulin production decreases. This will  happen once the pancreas fails to keep up with the body's higher demands for insulin.

Type II Diabetes most often presents in adults, typically over the age of 40 years, but it can present in youth as well.

Symptoms:
Almost 2/3 of people with Type II Diabetes do not experience symptoms early on
If symptoms do present, some of the common symptoms are:
Frequent Passing of Urine -- carrying excess sugar out of the body
Frequent Drinking of Liquids -- making up for water lost in the urine
Increased Fatigue
Darkening of skin color around neck, armpits and/or elbow -- associated with insulin resistance. May lessen or disappear with implementing a better diet, losing weight and becoming more active thus bringing insulin sensitivity back.
Feeling ill
Blurred Vision
Infections -- thrush, yeast, irritation of the genitals

Causes:
Inherited (genetic) -- in almost cases, a parent or grandparent will also have the disease
Lifestyle -- Nearly 80% of those diagnosed with Type II have excess weight and decreased physical fitness