What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is not producing enough insulin and/or the insulin you are producing does not work effectively. This leads to high blood glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes may result from genetic and environmental factors. This includes family members with type 2 diabetes, your cultural background and lifestyle factors.
Research suggests type 2 diabetes can be prevented in up to 58% of cases by regular exercise and healthy eating (lifestyle factors).
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes – accounting for around 85-90% of all cases.
Type 2 diabetes mostly develops in adults, but children can also be affected.
Management of type 2 diabetes includes healthy lifestyle choices (eating healthy foods, regular physical activity, managing stress, improving sleep, quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake). Losing weight, if you are overweight, can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and therefore blood glucose management, and may slow the progression of type 2 diabetes. For some people, medications are required to manage type 2 diabetes, to ensure blood glucose levels are maintained at a healthy range.
What is type 2 diabetes remission?
There is emerging evidence that shows type 2 diabetes can potentially be put into remission.
Diabetes remission means that your blood glucose levels are within the healthy range without the use of diabetes medication.
Research is ongoing, however the most important factors pointing to success in achieving remission include significant weight loss, baseline pancreatic function and the length of time a person has been living with type 2 diabetes.
Sustained weight loss may lead to remission over a period of time. However, regaining weight can increase blood glucose levels, and a return to blood glucose levels indicative of type 2 diabetes.
It is vital that people continue with their regular diabetes checks.
For more information talk to one of our health professionals by calling 1300 198 204.
What are the Signs?
People with type 2 diabetes may develop symptoms more slowly, or show no symptoms at all.
Many people with type 2 diabetes do not notice any symptoms, and in some cases may have been living with diabetes for many years before being diagnosed.
Symptoms for type 2 diabetes can include:
- Increased thirst
- Urinating more frequently
- Feeling tired and lethargic
- Having cuts that heal slowly
- Gradually putting on weight
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Leg cramps
- Feeling dizzy
- Skin infections
- Always feeling hungry
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms talk to your doctor. A blood test with your GP can tell if you have diabetes or not. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and managed the better your health will be.
