Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and/or gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas. We do not know what causes type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with modifiable lifestyle risk factors. Type 2 diabetes also has strong genetic and family related risk factors.

Type 2 diabetes:

*Is diagnosed when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (reduced insulin production) and/or the insulin does not work effectively and/or the cells of the body do not respond to insulin effectively (known as insulin resistance)

*Represents 85–90 per cent of all cases of diabetes

*Usually develops in adults over the age of 45 years but is increasingly occurring in younger age groups including children, adolescents and young adults

*Is more likely in people with a family history of type 2 diabetes or from particular ethnic backgrounds

*For some the first sign may be a complication of diabetes such as a heart attack, vision problems or a foot ulcer

*Is managed with a combination of regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight reduction. As type 2 diabetes is often progressive, most people will need oral medications and/or insulin injections in addition to lifestyle changes over time.