Essential diabetes information
TRANSFORMING THE WAY WE TALK ABOUT TYPE 2 DIABETES
Learn about type 2 diabetes
Get the facts about type 2 diabetes
What is type 2 diabetes?
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Amongst other components, the food we eat is broken down by the body to create glucose, a type of sugar in the blood that gives us energy. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas, that helps the body to utilize this sugar to turn it into fuel for the body.1,2
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When you have type 2 diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin, or it doesn’t use its own insulin as well as it should, which makes it harder for your body to utilize glucose. As a result, the sugar level stays high in your blood which can have harmful effects on the body.3
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Type 2 diabetes is a common condition, and it can cause damage to the large blood vessels of the heart, brain, and legs, as well as to smaller blood vessels, causing problems in the eyes, kidneys, feet, and nerves.3
Did you know:
Diabetes affects 463 million people worldwide.3
What causes type 2 diabetes?
There are many factors that can put you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, these include:3,4
An unhealthy diet
An inactive lifestyle
Obesity
Family history
Aging
Type 2 diabetes is often associated with being overweight or inactive, and although these factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease, they aren’t the only cause. Aging and a family history of diabetes could mean that you have a higher-than-average chance of having problems with your pancreas.3,4
What are some of the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes aren’t always obvious and can sometimes be subtle enough to go unnoticed, so it’s important you are aware of what to look out for.
Signs and symptoms can include:5
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Urinating more often, especially at night
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Unexpected weight loss
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Increased thirst
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Feeling more tired than usual
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Vision problems
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Wounds taking longer to heal
If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.
How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
It’s important that you visit your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms of type 2 diabetes. The earlier you get diagnosed, the earlier you can begin to take control of your health, which will decrease your chances of the disease affecting other organs, such as your heart and kidneys.
Testing for type 2 diabetes is a relatively straightforward process that usually involves:6
Talking to your doctor about your symptoms
A blood test to check your blood sugar level
If the results of these tests indicate that you have type 2 diabetes, then your doctor will discuss a plan of action with you.
Heart Talks
References
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance (Last accessed: October 2021).
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Type 2 Diabetes. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/type-2-diabetes (Last accessed: October 2021).
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International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation; 2019. Available at:www.diabetesatlas.org (Last accessed: October 2021).
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/risk-factors-type-2-diabetes (Last accessed: October 2021).
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes (Last accessed: October 2021).
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/tests-diagnosis (Last accessed: October 2021).
Job code: PC-CRP-102667