Health Watch – Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes described as a “lifestyle disease” because it is most common in people who do insufficient exercise and are over weight. It is strongly associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an “apple” body shape where excess weight is carried around the waist. In type 1 and type 2 diabetes there is too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. Type 2 is far more common accounting for 85% to 90% of all diabetes. The sad part is that it used to mainly affect mature adults but due to the greater numbers of obese in younger people the average age has reduced significantly.

Cause?

The cause for type 1 is unknown, however the causes of type 2 are known and in some cases can be prevented, however once you have type 2 it cannot be cured.

Who is at a higher risk?

Being over 55
45 and being overweight and/or have high blood pressure
Having a first degree relative with type 2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Pacific Islanders from Indian subcontinent or Chinese origin over the age of 35.
Women who are overweight with polycystic ovarian syndrome or gestational diabetes

Lifestyle factors that increase risk?

Being overweight, especially around the waist
Low levels of physical activity
Unhealthy eating habits, high fat, high sugar, high salt or low fibre foods.
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Cigarette smoking

Symptoms?

Type 2 often has no symptoms, in fact about 50% of those with the disease have not been diagnosed yet.

Being more thirsty than usual
Passing more urine
Feeling tired and lethargic
Slow healing wounds
Itching and skin infections
Blurred vision
Mood swings

Diagnosis?

A fasting blood glucose test can diagnose type 2 and can easily be arranged by your doctor.

Why is type 2 bad?

Can cause eye disease including blindness often with no early symptoms
Can cause blood vessel damage, which increases risk of heart attack or stroke
Can lead to kidney failure
Causes nerve damage that can affect internal organs as well as affect the ability to feel touch or pain, especially in the feet
Can lead to leg and foot problems and amputation.

Summary

Once you have type 2 it cannot be cured though in some cases it can be managed.  The obvious answer to this disease is to reduce the risk by keeping your weight at a normal level, exercise regularly, eat well which assists the weight and stop smoking. If you fit into the higher risk category then get a glucose test done ASAP.

Also, stop feeding your kids so much sugar products, it is killing them slowly!!

In formation sourced from www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au