Type 2 Diabetes

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Wed, 08/10/2008 - 6:03pm

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs more frequently in adults over 45 but can occur in younger people.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90 to 95% of all diabetes (Diabetes Australia NSW 2008).

In this article:

What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes causes
Type 2 diabetes risk factors
Type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms
Type 2 diabetes diagnosis
Type 2 diabetes treatment and management

What is type 2 diabetes?

In type 2 diabetes the pancreas is not producing adequate amounts of insulin and it is not working as effectively. A build up of glucose occurs in the blood as the pancreas can't make enough insulin to maintain levels at a healthy range.

A person with type 2 diabetes becomes insulin resistant causing blood glucose levels to rise. High blood glucose levels cause complications of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes causes

Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Obesity and carrying extra weight around the waist has been associated with type 2 diabetes.

Poor diet and lack of physical activity increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes risk factors

Risk factors of type 2 diabetes include but are not limited to:

Family history
Increasing age
More than 35 and Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander, Pacific Islander background
More than 35 and Asian origin or from Indian subcontinent
History of gestational diabetes
High blood pressure
Obesity
Smoking
High cholesterol
High alcohol intake

Type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms

For some people the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can occur over time and for many go unnoticed. Older people can have co-existing medical conditions that can mask the symptoms of type 2 diabetes or the symptoms can wrongly be attributed to "old age".

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include but are not limited to:

Increased thirst
Lethargy
Frequently passing urine
Unusual hunger
Dizziness
Wounds that are slow to heal
Headaches
Blurred vision
Leg cramps, tingling in the feet

Type 2 diabetes diagnosis

Diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test. A doctor is the only person that can diagnose diabetes. A test called a Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) or Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) will indicate a person's blood glucose level (BGL).

These tests require blood to be taken from the vein and examined in a pathology laboratory. A person may have to fast for the test or a test will be done at random. Simply taking a finger prick test is not enough to diagnose diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes treatment and management

There is no cure for diabetes. Managing type 2 diabetes involves adopting healthy eating habits, engaging in physical activity and controlling weight. Everyone is an individual and diabetes management for older people will be influenced by other factors including co-existing medical conditions and taking other medications.

Managing type 2 diabetes involves:

Adopting healthy eating habits. Diabetics don't need to follow a special diet but need to understand how different foods affect blood glucose levels, cholesterol and weight. A dietitian or diabetic nurse educator can recommend a nutritious eating plan. A healthy eating plan needs to take into consideration a person's preferences, goals for weight control and physical activity level.

Managing blood glucose levels. Our blood glucose levels need to be kept within a healthy range. Blood glucose levels that are too high or too low can lead to serious medical emergencies. Keeping track of blood glucose levels can help prevent long term complications of diabetes.

Taking medications as prescribed. Many older people need oral medications to keep blood glucose levels within normal limits. Over time insulin may also be prescribed if these measures are not effective. Some older people will need help managing their medications.
Increased physical activity. Physical activity can improve blood glucose levels in older people, maintain weight and increase feelings of general wellbeing. Older people may need to take special precautions before exercising, check with a doctor before starting any exercise regime.
Control risk factors. Managing type 2 diabetes involves controlling risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. People with diabetes are at greater risk of stroke and heart attack. Research is also looking into the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Anyone with diabetes should stop smoking. Smoking can lead to vascular problems and complications of diabetes.

Get regular health checks. If blood glucose levels remain consistently high, damage occurs to many parts of the body including the heart, eyes, blood vessels and kidneys. Diabetes can lead to blindness and limb amputation if not managed properly. Keeping blood glucose levels under control and having regular health checks can help prevent the many serious complications of diabetes.

Helpful resources

For more information about diabetes and help with managing diabetes visit Diabetes Australia or talk to a diabetes educator on the Diabetes Infoline 1300 136 588.
Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator (at your local community health centre)