WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition which occurs when the body is no longer able to deal with the increasing level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Normally when we eat food, in particular carbohydrates (starches and sugars) the level of glucose in our blood increases. In response to this the pancreas produces insulin which brings the level of glucose back to normal. Insulin is a hormone which is produced by a small organ in the body called the pancreas.

In a person with Type 2 Diabetes the body may not produce enough insulin or the insulin produced may not work as effectively as it should. This is referred to as insulin resistance. Being overweight increases insulin resistance.

Both the lack of insulin and the insulin resistance mean that the glucose levels are poorly controlled. It is important to keep the blood glucose within normal limits as poorly controlled diabetes can damage the
eyes, kidneys and the nerves and can also contribute to cardio-vascular disease (CVD) which includes heart disease, stroke and poor circulation.

TREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes requires that you follow a healthy lifestyle which includes following healthy eating guidelines and taking regular activity.

As most people with Type 2 Diabetes are overweight it is important that
you lose weight gradually. Losing 1-2 lbs a week is a safe amount to lose. Weighing yourself once a week means you can monitor your progress.

As well as healthy eating and physical activity you may be prescribed tablets to control your diabetes. Diabetes is a progressive condition and in some cases taking tablets is not enough

to maintain or achieve good control and it may be necessary for your doctor to start you on insulin.

Diabetes can be treated by:

Healthy eating and regular activity
Healthy eating, regular activity and tablets
Healthy eating, regular activity and insulin

AIM OF TREATMENT

When you see your doctor he/she will decide what treatment is best for you. The aim of your treatment will be to keep your blood glucose levels within normal limits, this means keeping your blood glucose between 4-8mmol/L. To keep the blood glucose at a normal level it is necessary for you to follow healthy eating guidelines.

Diabetes Facts: did you know?

People with diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease which includes heart disease and stroke.

Heart disease affects people with diabetes twice as often as people without diabetes.

People with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to suffer strokes and once having had a stroke are 2-4 times more likely to have a recurrence.

Remember, these risks are due to poorly controlled diabetes, if glucose levels are kept within the normal range all these risks are reduced.