Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
There are two main types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin. This means that glucose stays in the blood and isn’t used as fuel for energy. Learn More About: Causes of Type 2 Diabetes.
The high blood sugar level makes you:
- Feel thirsty
- Pee more than usual, particularly at night
- Feel tired all the time
Learn More About: Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes.
A growing problem
Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and tends to be diagnosed in older people. It’s far more common than Type 1 Diabetes.
It’s estimated that more than 1 in 16 people in the UK has diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed), and this figure is rising rapidly.
There are currently 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK, with 90% of those affected having type 2 diabetes.
The Danger of Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes can cause serious long-term health problems. It’s the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in people of working age. Everyone with diabetes aged 12 or over should be invited to have their eyes screened once a year for diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetes is also responsible for most cases of kidney failure and lower limb amputation (other than accidents).
People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to have cardiovascular disease (such as a stroke) than those without diabetes.
What You Can Do
If you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes, you may be able to prevent it developing by making lifestyle changes.
You should:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Lose weight (if you’re overweight) and maintain a healthy weight
- Stop smoking (if you smoke)
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Take plenty of regular exercise
If you already have type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to control your symptoms by making the above changes. This will also minimise your risk of developing complications.
As type 2 diabetes usually gets worse, you may eventually need medication (usually tablets) to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.
Read More About: Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.
Source: NHS UK
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/Introduction.aspx