About Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
More than 85-90% of people with diabetes in Australia are diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes1 . In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas may make enough insulin, but the body cannot effectively use the insulin it creates. This is known as insulin resistance. Eventually, the pancreas may stop producing insulin altogether.
Traditionally type 2 diabetes affects people later in life, but can affect people at any age.
Additional risk factors or characteristics for type 2 diabetes include:
- Family history of diabetes
- History of gestational diabetes
- Obesity
- Race/Ethnicity
Some population groups are at much higher risk. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are 3 times more likely to have diabetes than other Australians. People born in North Africa, Middle East, South East Asia, Southern and Eastern Europe also have higher rates of diabetes2.
Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and is often hard to detect, many people are not diagnosed until various complications appear. It is estimated that one-third of all people with diabetes may be undiagnosed2.
Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and is often hard to detect, many people are not diagnosed until various complications appear. It is estimated that one-third of all people with diabetes may be undiagnosed2.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Thirst
- Blurred vision
- Recurring skin, mouth, bladder infections
- Non-healing wounds
- Tingling/numbness in hands or feet
In patients with type 2 diabetes:
- Blood glucose is moderate to high over longer periods
- Patients are generally overweight (although this is not true in every case)
- Symptoms appear relatively slowly and often go unnoticed
- Oral medication or insulin may be prescribed
- Type 2 diabetes is progressive and treatment will often change over time
Type 2 diabetes can often be managed through diet and lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin injections, though a combination of these therapies are often prescribed. Self-monitoring of your blood glucose can help measure the success of your therapy.
Reference:
1. Australian Diabetes Council. Diabetes Fact Sheet. http://www.australiandiabetescouncil.com/Resources/PDFs/Diabetes-Facts---Australian-Diabetes-Council-J-%281%29.aspx2. Aust. Institute of Health and Welfare - Diabetes: Australian Facts 2008. Available at: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10394 . Accessed April 09, 2009.
