Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. While it usually affects people over the age of 40, it is not uncommon for younger people to be diagnosed. There is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes, although treatments are available to prevent progression or even cause remission of type 2 diabetes.
We can help you manage the condition by making positive changes to your daily habits including maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise and monitoring your blood glucose levels.
As type 2 diabetes progresses, most people will need to take medication and make lifestyle changes.
How do I know if I have type 2 diabetes?
Many people with type 2 diabetes don’t have symptoms – or put their symptoms down to something else. In some cases, by the time type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the complications of diabetes may already be present – so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
Being excessively thirsty
Going to the toilet to pass urine a lot more than usual
Feeling tired and lethargic
Always feeling hungry
Having cuts that heal slowly
Itching skin, skin infections
Blurred vision
Unexplained weight loss
Mood swings
Headaches, nausea and vomiting
Feeling dizzy
Leg cramps
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and/or gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin.
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas – a gland in the abdomen. It is used by the body to move glucose, an energy source found in foods that contain carbohydrates, into body tissues ready to be used for energy.
In type 2 diabetes, the cells don't respond to insulin properly and the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body's increased needs. Over a long period of time (years) insulin becomes increasingly ineffective at managing the blood glucose levels. This is called insulin resistance.
As a result of this insulin resistance, the pancreas responds by producing more and more insulin as it tries to manage the blood glucose levels. This means type 2 diabetes is a combination of ineffective insulin and not enough insulin.
The insulin producing cells in the pancreas eventually wear themselves out. By the time type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the body may have lost 50 – 70% of its insulin producing cells. Glucose builds up in the blood instead of getting into cells for energy, causing damage to various parts of the body.
How is type 2 diabetes treated?
Most people with type 2 diabetes will need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels. Many will eventually require insulin as part of the natural progression of the condition.
Taking tablets or insulin as soon as it’s needed can result in fewer long-term complications so it’s important not to delay medication if advised by your endocrinologist.
Can diabetes be reversed?
It is possible to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with early lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis, treatment and effective ongoing support can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Our RECLAIM program is specially designed for people who want to reverse insulin resistance and improve their fitness.
Who is at risk of diabetes?
Diabetes runs in families. Your risk greatly increases by many lifestyle factors that are under your control. This includes whether you have high blood pressure, are overweight or obese, and get enough physical activity.
You are at a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes if you:
have a family history of diabetes
are older (over 55 years of age) - the risk increases as we age
are over 45 years of age and are overweight
are over 45 years of age and have high blood pressure
are over 35 years of age and are from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background
are over 35 years of age and are from Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent or Chinese cultural background
are a woman who has given birth to a child over 4.5 kgs (9 lbs)
had gestational diabetes when pregnant
have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Why is it important to treat type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is a complex condition that can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health. It’s also progressive – meaning it gets worse over time – as insulin producing cells in the pancreas are continually destroyed. It needs to be managed effectively to prevent complications.
People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes
Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in Australia
Kidney failure is three times more common in people with diabetes
Amputations are 15 times more common in people with diabetes
More than 30 per cent of people with diabetes experience depression, anxiety and distress
Learn how to reduce the number of medications you need for diabetes, look after yourself, and minimise and prevent complications with our RECLAIM program.