Type 2 Diabetes

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that causes blood sugar levels to become too high. It happens when your body does not produce enough insulin, or the cells in your body do not respond to insulin properly (known as insulin resistance).

Symptoms

• Peeing more than usual, especially at night
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying to
• Blurred vision
• Cuts and grazes that take longer to heal
• Feeling sick

Risk Factors

You are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are over 45 years old
• Have a close relative with diabetes (parent, brother or sister)
• Are overweight or obese
• Are of South Asian, African Caribbean or Black African origin
• Have high blood pressure
• Have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy

Diagnosis

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test. Your GP may test your blood sugar levels if you have symptoms of diabetes, or as part of routine health checks. The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

Treatment

Type 2 diabetes is managed with a combination of:

• Lifestyle changes — a healthy diet and regular exercise can significantly improve blood sugar levels
• Medicines — most people start with metformin; other medicines may be added over time
• Regular check-ups — to monitor blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and kidney function

Complications

If blood sugar levels remain too high over time, this can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems (diabetic retinopathy), and nerve damage (neuropathy).

Important: With good management, most people with Type 2 diabetes can live long, healthy lives. Some people can even put their diabetes into remission through significant weight loss.