{"id":3696,"date":"2021-05-10T12:56:13","date_gmt":"2021-05-10T12:56:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globaldiabetesinitiatives.com\/?p=3696"},"modified":"2023-07-20T14:22:12","modified_gmt":"2023-07-20T14:22:12","slug":"type-2-diabetes-what-is-type-2-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globaldiabetesinitiatives.com\/type-2-diabetes-what-is-type-2-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Type 2 Diabetes?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

type 2 diabetes<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Looking for more information about type 2 diabetes? We\u2019ve got all you need to know.<\/h3>\n

What is type 2 diabetes?<\/h2>\n

Type 2\u00a0diabetes\u00a0is a serious condition where the insulin your pancreas makes can\u2019t work properly, or your pancreas can\u2019t make enough insulin. This means your\u00a0blood glucose (sugar) levels\u00a0keep rising.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What causes type 2 diabetes?<\/h2>\n

We all need insulin to live. It does an essential job. It allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies.<\/p>\n

When you have type 2 diabetes, your body still breaks down carbohydrate from your food and drink and turns it into glucose. The pancreas then responds to this by releasing insulin. But because this insulin can\u2019t work properly, your blood sugar levels keep rising. This means more insulin is released.<\/p>\n

For some people with type 2 diabetes, this can eventually tire the pancreas out, meaning their body makes less and less insulin. This can lead to even higher blood sugar levels and mean you are at risk of hyperglycaemia.<\/p>\n

Is type 2 diabetes serious?<\/h2>\n

Around 90% of people with diabetes in the UK have type 2. It is a serious condition and can be lifelong.<\/p>\n

If left untreated, high sugar levels in your blood can seriously damage parts of your body, including your eyes, heart and feet. These are called the complications of diabetes. But with the right treatment and care, you can live well with type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing them.<\/p>\n

Learn more about\u00a0diabetes complications.<\/p>\n

Managing type 2 diabetes<\/h2>\n

Learning how to live with type 2 diabetes can be challenging, but we\u2019ll help you to discover what works for you. Some people can manage it through healthier eating, being more active or losing weight. But eventually, most people will need medication to bring their blood sugar down to their target level.<\/p>\n

Learn more about\u00a0managing your diabetes.<\/p>\n

Can type 2 diabetes be cured?<\/h2>\n

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but some people are able to put their diabetes into remission. This means that your blood sugar levels are healthy and you don\u2019t need to take diabetes medication any more. Remission can be life-changing, but it\u2019s not possible for everyone.<\/p>\n

Learn more about\u00a0diabetes remission.<\/p>\n

Treatments for type 2 diabetes<\/h2>\n

There are a number of different ways you can treat type 2 diabetes, such as making healthy lifestyle choices, using insulin or taking medication. Your healthcare team will help you to find the right treatment for you. This can reduce your risk of developing complications and help you to live well with diabetes.<\/p>\n

Learn more about\u00a0diabetes treatments.<\/p>\n

Signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes<\/h2>\n

When you have type 2 diabetes your body can\u2019t get enough glucose into your cells, so a common symptom is feeling very tired. There are also other symptoms to look out for. These include feeling thirsty, going to the toilet a lot and losing weight without trying to.<\/p>\n

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop more slowly than the symptoms of\u00a0type 1 diabetes, making the condition harder to spot. That\u2019s why a lot of people don\u2019t get any symptoms or don\u2019t notice them.<\/p>\n

Some people also don\u2019t think the symptoms are important, so don\u2019t ask for help. This means some people can live for up to 10 years with type 2 diabetes before being diagnosed.<\/p>\n

Learn more about the\u00a0symptoms of diabetes.<\/p>\n

Risk factors of type 2 diabetes<\/h2>\n

There are several factors that can affect your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Because the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are not always obvious, it\u2019s really important to be aware of these risk factors. They can include:<\/p>\n