Type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.

There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body’s cells don't react to insulin. This means that glucose stays in the blood and isn't used as fuel for energy.

The high blood sugar level makes you:

    feel thirsty
    pee more than usual, particularly at night
    feel tired all the time 

Untreated diabetes can damage your organs, so it's important that it's diagnosed as early as possible. See your GP if you have these symptoms.

A growing problem

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and tends to be diagnosed in older people. It's far more common than type 1 diabetes.

It's estimated that more than 1 in 16 people in the UK has diabetes (diagnosed or undiagnosed), and this figure is rising rapidly.

There are currently 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK, with 90% of those affected having type 2 diabetes. 

The danger of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes can cause serious long-term health problems. It's the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in people of working age. Everyone with diabetes aged 12 or over should be invited to have their eyes screened once a year for diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes is also responsible for most cases of kidney failure and lower limb amputation (other than accidents).

People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to have cardiovascular disease (such as a stroke) than those without diabetes.

What you can do

If you're at risk of type 2 diabetes, you may be able to prevent it developing by making lifestyle changes.

You should:

    eat a healthy, balanced diet
    lose weight (if you're overweight) and maintain a healthy weight
    stop smoking (if you smoke)
    drink alcohol in moderation
    take plenty of regular exercise

If you already have type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to control your symptoms by making the above changes. This will also minimise your risk of developing complications. 

As type 2 diabetes usually gets worse, you may eventually need medication (usually tablets) to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. 

Gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)

Blood glucose levels can sometimes rise during pregnancy, making it difficult for insulin to absorb it all. This is called gestational diabetes, which affects about 5% of pregnant women.

Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of health problems developing in an unborn baby, so it's important to control your blood glucose levels.

In most cases, gestational diabetes disappears after the baby is born. However, women who develop the condition have about a 30% risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.

tags: Type 2 diabetes, Type 2, diabetes, A growing problem, The danger of type 2 diabetes, What you can do, Gestational diabetes (during pregnancy), Gestational diabetes.