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03 February 2010
Depression increases risk of diabetes complications
 
Patients with type 2 diabetes who suffer from depression are much more likely to develop diabetes-related complications, according to the findings of a new study.
 
29 January 2010
Armidale Support Group Vice-President receives Australia Day honours
 
Congratulations to Peter Garland, Vice President of the Armidale-Uralla & District Branch, for receiving an Order of Australia Medal in Tuesday’s Australia Day honours.
 
01 February 2010
Continuous glucose monitoring benefits those starting on insulin pump
 
People with type 1 diabetes who wear a continuous glucose monitor at least 70% of the time during their first six months after starting an insulin pump achieve better blood glucose improvements.
 
28 January 2010
Fasting glucose not insulin sensitivity predicts heart disease risk
 
Fasting blood glucose levels are a better predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than measures of insulin sensitivity according to new findings.
 

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

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