The third edition of our chart, Understanding Type 2 Diabetes uses patient friendly illustrations and text to explain type 2 diabetes and the complexity of type 2 diabetes. Defines type 2 diabetes and the role of glucose and insulin in the body Lists risk factors, symptoms and complications. Illustrates the many different factors that contribute to high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Also talks about management and gives management tips. Shows glucose molecules from the digestive system and insulin molecules from the pancreas traveling in a blood vessel. Illustrations visually compare a normal body cell to a body cell with diabetes and show when the cell develops a resistance to insulin, making it more difficult for glucose to enter the cell and leading to build-up of glucose in the blood vessel. The chart textually and visually presents complications from the disease: heart disease, stroke, vascular disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), periodontal disease (gum disease and mouth infection), and eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
