Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes comes about because a) the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to meet the requirements, and b) the body’s tissues no longer respond to insulin effectively. It is much more common than Type 1 Diabetes, affecting 85-90% of the Australian population1.
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes
Whilst it is known that there is a strong genetic link to developing Type 2 Diabetes, it is often referred to as a ‘lifestyle disease’ brought about by a combination of factors, namely poor diet and lifestyle. You are also at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes if you:
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are over 55 years of age
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are over 45 years of age and overweight and, or have high blood pressure
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are over 35 years of age and are from a background of: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander, from the Indian subcontinent or are Chinese
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are a woman who has given birth to a child over 4.5 kgs (9 lbs), or had gestational diabetes when pregnant, or had a condition known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes can often go undiagnosed for a long period of time as many symptoms are non specific and may include the following1:
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Being excessively thirsty
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Passing more urine
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Feeling tired and lethargic
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Always feeling hungry
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Having cuts that heal slowly
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Itching, skin infections
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Blurred vision
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Gradually putting on weight
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Mood swings
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Headaches
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Feeling dizzy
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Leg cramps
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes can be managed with a healthy diet and regular adequate exercise, however if these measures alone do not control blood sugar levels your Doctor may choose to prescribe medication.
Next Steps
If you or anyone you know have experienced the symptoms above, or you would like to know more, contact your local Pharmacy 777 Pharmacist who will be able to provide you with more information.
If our Pharmacists feel it is necessary you will be referred to a GP and on request the Pharmacist can write a referral outlining the treatment used to date and the concerns that need to be investigated.
1Diabetes Australia