Type 2 Diabetes
A chronic condition in which blood glucose remains higher than normal because the body does not use insulin effectively and, over time, may not produce enough insulin.
A closer look
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It usually develops gradually and may remain unnoticed for some time.
Persistent high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and organs if not adequately controlled.
What can cause it
Type 2 diabetes develops through a combination of:
- Insulin resistance
- Reduced insulin production
- Genetic factors
- Excess body weight
- Physical inactivity
Signs and symptoms
Some people have no symptoms. Possible symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Recurrent infections
Who may be more at risk
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Increasing age
- Previous gestational diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Certain ethnic and genetic factors
How it is assessed
Diagnosis is based on blood glucose testing. Common diagnostic tests include:
- Fasting plasma glucose
- HbA1c
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- Random plasma glucose in a person with typical symptoms Abnormal results may require confirmation depending on the clinical situation.
Treatment and management
Management aims to control blood glucose and reduce long-term complications. It may include:
- Healthy dietary patterns
- Regular physical activity
- Weight management where appropriate
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Oral or injectable glucose-lowering medicines
- Insulin when indicated
- Management of blood pressure and cholesterol
- Regular screening for complications Treatment should be individualized according to the patient's clinical status.
Reducing the risk
Risk can be reduced by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Regular physical activity
- Eating a balanced diet
- Limiting highly processed foods and excess sugar
- Avoiding smoking
- Managing blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors
- Screening when risk factors are present
When to get medical help
Seek urgent medical attention for:
- Severe weakness or confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dehydration
- Very high blood glucose with worsening symptoms People with diabetes should also seek assessment for persistent foot wounds, vision changes or recurrent infections.
