Type 2 Diabetes

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 85 to 90 per cent of all people with diabetes. It usually develops in adults over the age of 45, but it is increasingly developing at a younger age.

Type 2 diabetes is known as a ‘lifestyle disease’ as it is often triggered by being inactive or carrying excess weight around the abdomen. It tends to run in families and it is not uncommon to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure as well.

Unlike type 1 diabetes where the body produces no insulin, people with type 2 diabetes are still able to produce their own insulin. There may not be enough insulin for the body’s needs and/or the cells in the body are resistant to the action of insulin (insulin resistance).

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition and treatment usually needs to change over time to maintain control of blood glucose. In the early stages the body may be producing more insulin than normal, but after having type 2 diabetes for a number of years, the pancreas becomes exhausted and makes less insulin.

The management of type 2 diabetes initially involves regular physical activity, healthy eating and losing excess weight, which helps insulin to work better. With time, tablets may be needed and eventually even insulin injections in addition to lifestyle changes, to help control blood glucose levels.

Losing weight and being physically active can delay the need for tablets or insulin.

People with type 2 diabetes often have no symptoms, so they may have diabetes for a number of years without knowing it. Sometimes the first sign that something is wrong is when they develop a complication of diabetes such as a heart attack, vision problems or a stroke.

Typical symptoms of type 2 diabetes

Thirst
Tiredness
Frequent / excessive urination
Persistent infections, such as genital thrush
Skin rashes / itching

It is important that diabetes is diagnosed and treated early. Those at high risk for type 2 diabetes should have a blood test each year. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented with lifestyle changes and weight control.