Diabetes (Type 2)

Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder where blood sugar levels are elevated, resulting from insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production. The body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, which is the hormone produced by the body that regulates blood sugar, leading to glucose buildup in the bloodstream. If poorly managed, it can lead to serious health conditions that can severely impact your health.

Type 2 Diabetes is usually caused by or closely linked to poor lifestyle factors. This can be an unhealthy diet, full of highly processed and sugary foods, a lack of regular physical activity or being obese. Genetics can also play a role in the development of Type 2 Diabetes, so if you have a family history of the condition, it’s even more important to regulate your diet and remain active.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes can help signal that you may have the condition. The body is trying to remove the excess glucose that hasn’t be used as energy, due to the lack of insulin being developed. During this process, there can be symptoms or signs that you may have Type 2 Diabetes.

Signs include:

• Frequent urination
• Feeling dehydrated
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Blurred or impaired vision
• Cuts taking a long time to heal
• Reoccurring Thrush or Yeast Infections

If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a medical professional as soon as possible, as they may ask you take a blood test to see if you are suffering with Type 2 Diabetes.

Yes, Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented by making the right changes to your lifestyle. Research has shown, starting to get regular exercise and losing a few pounds of excess weight can prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes.

The main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes is that with Type 1, the body doesn’t make any insulin whatsoever, whereas with Type 2 the body either doesn’t produce enough or what it does create isn’t working well. Type 2 Diabetes is usually brought on by lifestyle factors, such as eating habits and exercise levels.

No, Type 2 Diabetes cannot become Type 1 Diabetes. Although they are similar, they are technically separate conditions that have different causes. Type 1 Diabetes is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in zero insulin production in the body, which requires lifelong treatment. Type 2 diabetes is the more common condition of the two.

No, Type 2 Diabetes is not considered an autoimmune disease as it does not involve an autoimmune response. Type 1 Diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease, because the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Other forms of autoimmune diseases include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Yes, in the UK Type 2 Diabetes is considered as a disability. This means you may be eligible for certain benefits and support to help you; this can be ranging from free eye tests to personal independence payments. People with Type 2 Diabetes are also protected under Northern Ireland’s Disability Discrimination Act 1995 or the Equality Act 2010 in the rest of the UK.

Although it’s widely believed that there is no cure for Type 2 Diabetes, people have been known to reverse their glucose levels back to below the range for diabetes. It’s believed that most who have reversed the condition have done so, largely due to weight loss. If you are obese and lose significant weight, it is likely you will greatly reduce glucose levels in the body due to the fat burned. It’s recommended that you try to lose weight if you have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, but you shouldn’t expect to reverse the condition, as most will continue to have the condition if they’ve had it for a considerable period.

Type 2 Diabetes is not known to directly cause weight gain. The condition can be brought on by gaining weight, as being obese can encourage insulin resistance. Some may experience weight gain as a side effect of medication to treat Type 2 Diabetes, but this won’t be the same for everyone.

Yes, the development of Type 2 Diabetes can be linked to your genetics, as well as your lifestyle habits. If you have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes, you may be more susceptible to developing the condition, so it’s important to remain cautious of your diet, weight and exercise levels. If your family have a history of Type 2 Diabetes, it doesn’t mean that you developing the condition is a certainty.

Yes, if left untreated for a long period of time, it could lead to damage to blood vessels and nerves. This puts you at greater risk of stroke and heart disease which are both life threatening conditions. Type 2 Diabetes can also lead to developing sight loss, amputations and infections, which can all cause various complications that could put your life at risk.

It’s crucial you get tested for Type 2 Diabetes if you are showing symptoms, are obese or have a high sugar diet.

Type 2 Diabetes is believed to be incurable, but it can be reversed which is known as complete remission, where glucose levels return below diabetes range. Glucose levels can also return to pre-diabetes level which is known as partial remission. Type 2 Diabetes will not go away on its own however, as glucose levels will only lower if large changes are made to your lifestyle. Exercising regularly, removing processed foods from your diet and losing weight all play a part in reversing the condition, simply waiting for it to go can be detrimental to your health.

Men with Type 2 Diabetes are more prone to experiencing erectile dysfunction. Having high blood sugar levels over a long period could lead to damaged blood vessels and nerves, which can make getting and maintaining an erection difficult. Men who suffer with Type 2 Diabetes also tend to have lower testosterone levels, which can impact their ability to maintain an erection.

Potentially. Studies have shown there is link between Type 2 Diabetes medication and weight loss, though it should not be used as a primary method for losing weight. It’s recommended that you try and lose weight by increasing exercise and eating a healthier diet, while you’re taking treatment for Type 2 Diabetes.

It depends on the type of medication. Some Type 2 Diabetes medication has been linked to a higher risk of developing gout, but it’s not definite. If you are concerned with developing a condition such as gout, or have suffered with the condition previously, you should inform your GP or pharmacist when they’re carrying out a consultation with you.

You shouldn’t stop taking your medication unless a doctor has advised, or you meet one of the following criteria:

• Your fasting morning blood glucose is under 130 mg/dL
• Your HbA1C is below 7% for 6 months or longer
• Your blood glucose level is below 180 mg/dL

Your GP may require you to carry out tests to see if you meet any of these, so they can then best advise you on alternative options to help you maintain optimal health.

If you stop taking Type 2 Diabetes medication that has been prescribed to you, you will most likely begin to see your blood sugar increase to unhealthy levels. If so, this can lead to serious health conditions, that if left untreated, could potentially be life threatening. These complications can include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney issues
• Gum disease
• Loss of sight

You should always consult a medical professional before stopping Type 2 Diabetes medication.

Frequent urination is one possible side effect from taking Type 2 Diabetes medication. If you are experiencing this side effect from the medication, you may want to consult your prescriber if it is causing you distress or having implications of your daily activities, as they may be able to alter dosage or change medication if they deem it necessary.

It depends on the type of medication you are prescribed. Most Type 2 Diabetes medication will not have any notable effect on your blood pressure. There is the possibility of the medication slightly raising or lowering your blood pressure, but again, this will be dependent on the medication your GP or pharmacist prescribes for you. If you are concerned about your blood pressure increasing, speak to them about your concerns as they can make amendments to your prescription and inform you of the potential side effects of the medication.