Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is when your body’s cells are unable to respond properly to insulin, and in later stages, your body may not produce enough insulin.
If uncontrolled, type 2 diabetes can result in high blood glucose levels and the development of symptoms that have the potential to lead to serious complications.
Type 2 diabetes usually affects people over the age of 45 years but it is increasing in younger ages. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2017/18 advises that type 2 diabetes represents almost 1,000,000 people or around 5.3% of the population and around 85-90% of all people with diabetes.
Causes, symptoms and risk factors of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops as the result of the body becoming resistant to insulin, or when the pancreas is not producing enough quantity of insulin. It is unknown why this occurs although lifestyle and genetics seem to be influencing factors.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- Excessive thirst and urination.
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness and fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Always feeling hungry
- Slow healing cuts
- Skin infections and itching of the skin
- Mood swings
- Leg cramps
- Dizziness
Some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
- Pre-diabetes.
- Genetics and heritage. People with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, Maori, Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern and North African heritage (aged 35 years and over).
- People who are 45 years and older with high blood pressure and overweight.
- People with a close first degree relative that has type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular disease including heart attack, angina, stroke.
- Overweight women who have PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome).
- Women who have had gestational diabetes when pregnant.
- Those who have low levels of physical activity.
- Poor food choices and unhealthy eating habits ie: food choices that have high fat, high sugar, processed foods, high salt.
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Prevention and management of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, the onset an be delayed or can even be reversed with the adoption of healthy lifestyle changes and quick weight loss. Here are some adjustments you can make to your lifestyle to prevent type 2 diabetes:
- Lose some weight
- Maintain a regular aerobic exercise program. This can be a brisk walk. Start with 10 minutes a day and aim for 30 minutes a day
- Reduce your carbohydrate intake to 20 – 150 grams daily
- Increase fibre rich foods into your diet
- Make water your main drink and drink frequently
- Manage your portion control
- Select foods that have a low glycemic index
- Avoid being stressed
- Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels
