WHAT IS TYPE II DIABETES

Type 2 diabetes
• Represents 85 to 90% of all cases of diabetes
• Sometimes referred to as mature onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes
• It is more commonly diagnosed in adults, although children and teenagers may develop it
• Occurs when the pancreas is not producing enough insulin or the insulin is not working effectively
• Physical activity, healthy eating and sometimes medications and/or insulin may be needed to keep blood glucose levels (BGLs) in the ideal range
• Lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet and lack of exercise can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes
• See below for the risk factors for type 2 diabetes

Diagnosis
Usually in adults over the age of 45 but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age. Diagnosis is made by either a Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) or Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) which are ordered by a doctor and conducted by a pathology laboratory.

Symptoms
Sometimes symptoms go unnoticed as the disease develops gradually. Symptoms may include frequent urination, thirst, blurred vision, skin infections, slow healing, tingling and numbness in the feet. Sometimes no symptoms are noticed at all or the individual assumes that the symptoms are part of the normal ageing process.

Management
Regular physical activity, healthy eating and blood glucose monitoring are the cornerstones of diabetes management. Over time, tablets and/or insulin injections may be necessary. Ongoing education is also important in diabetes management - for more information click here.

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes
• Being over 45 years of age and having high blood pressure

• Being over 45 years of age and being overweight

• Being over 45 years of age and having one of more members of the family with type 2 diabetes

• Being over 55 years of age

• Having heart disease or having had a heart attack

• Having/had high blood glucose levels during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)

• Having Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) also known as Pre-diabetes.

• Having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

• Being over 35 years of age and of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, Indian or Chinese heritage