Type 2 diabetes... Diabetes Australia

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03 July 2009

Diabetes Australia-NSW is aware that concerns have been raised about a possible link between glargine (Lantus) insulin and cancer.

01 July 2009

Fast food giants agree to reduce advertising targeting children

Seven of Australia’s fast food chains have agreed to only advertise food options that meet specific nutrition criteria in children’s television programs.

24 June 2009

Sleep apnoea common in those with type 2 diabetes and obesity

If you have type 2 diabetes and are carrying too much weight, then there’s a good chance you may suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea.

22 June 2009

Snoring pregnant women at higher risk of gestational diabetes

Women who snore when they are pregnant are at four times greater risk of developing gestational diabetes than women who don’t snore.

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Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is not producing enough insulin and the insulin is not working effectively.

Type 2 diabetes:

• Represents 85 to 90 per cent of all cases of diabetes
• Risk factors include family history, being overweight and ethnic background
• Lifestyle factors such as unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. While it usually affects mature adults, more young people, and even children, are being diagnosed.

Diagnosis

Usually in adults over the age of 45 but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.

Symptoms

Often symptoms go unnoticed as the disease develops gradually. Symptoms may include blurred vision, skin infections, slow healing, tingling and numbness in the feet. Sometimes no symptoms are noticed at all.

Management

Regular physical activity and healthy eating. Over time treatment may progress from lifestyle modification to requiring tablets and/or insulin injections.

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes

Risk factors you cannot change:

Age,
family history,
ethnic background,
gestational diabetes,
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Risk factors you can change:

Maintaining healthy weight,
making lifestyle changes by following a healthy eating plan and doing regular physical activity and having regular health checks.

Related information

• New to diabetes: what next?
• The diabetes team
• Physical activity
• Healthy eating
• Diabetes prevention

Page last updated: 23 June 2009