Type 2
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In people with a genetic predisposition, the risk of developing T2DM is increased with lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, carrying extra weight around the waist, insufficient physical activity and poor diet.
In T2DM the insulin making cells in the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin or the insulin made does not work effectively. This in turn does not allow glucose to enter cells and be used as energy for the body resulting in high levels of glucose. T2DM is a progressive disease, in the early stages the pancreas works harder to produce more insulin to help glucose enter cells. However, over time the insulin making cells start to die which leads to less insulin being produced.
T2DM is the most common form of diabetes and affects up to 90% of all people with diabetes. Recent figures from the National Diabetes Services Scheme in Australia (NDSS) indicate that 1,020,219 people with T2DM are registered on the NDSS as of 30th September 2015. 2
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Some people with T2DM may have no symptoms, so they may have diabetes undiagnosed for years. While other people are diagnosed following a complication such as heart attack, stroke or foot ulcer.
If symptoms occur, they may include:
- Feeling thirsty
- Fatigue
- Urinary frequency
- Recurrent infections such as thrush, skin abscess
- Blurry vision
How is type 2 diabetes managed?
The target blood glucose level for people with T2DM is 4-8mmol/L prior to meals. Initially many people can be managed with lifestyle interventions such as healthier eating and regular exercise to lose weight. Since diabetes is a progressive disease, medications to lower glucose often need to be commenced when the blood glucose levels are above target. Over time people can be on multiple medications including insulin injections to help maintain blood glucose within target levels.
2 National Diabetes Services Scheme. Type 2 diabetes.Statistical Snapshot: as at 30 September 2015.https://www.ndss.com.au/data-snapshots
Useful links
https://www.bakeridi.edu.au/health_fact_sheets/
https://www.diabetesvic.org.au