Type 2 diabetes is a common health condition where your body struggles to manage blood sugar levels. Unlike type 1 diabetes, where the body doesn’t produce insulin at all, type 2 diabetes happens when your body either doesn’t use insulin properly or doesn’t make enough of it.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a disease where your blood sugar levels become too high. This happens because your body either resists the effects of insulin, a hormone that helps move sugar into your cells, or doesn’t make enough insulin. When insulin isn’t working right or is in short supply, sugar builds up in your blood instead of being used by your cells.

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes isn’t completely clear, but certain factors can increase your risk:

• Family History: If your family has a history of diabetes, you might be at higher risk.
• Age: The risk goes up as you get older, especially after age 45.
• Weight: Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor.
• Lack of Exercise: Not being active can contribute to the condition.
• Unhealthy Eating: Eating a lot of processed foods and sugary drinks can lead to weight gain and insulin problems.

What Are the Symptoms?

Type 2 diabetes symptoms often develop slowly and can include:

• Feeling very thirsty and needing to pee more often
• Feeling tired all the time
• Blurry vision
• Wounds or infections that heal slowly
• Unexplained weight changes

Sometimes, there might be no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are important, especially if you have risk factors.

How is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?

To diagnose type 2 diabetes, doctors use blood tests to check your sugar levels. Common tests include:

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after you haven’t eaten overnight.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: Checks blood sugar before and after you drink a sugary solution.
• Haemoglobin A1c Test: Shows your average blood sugar levels over the past few months.

How Do You Manage It?

Managing type 2 diabetes involves:

• Eating Well: Focus on a diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid sugary and processed foods.
• Regular Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, like walking or biking.
• Medication: If diet and exercise aren’t enough, your doctor might prescribe medication to help control blood sugar levels.
• Monitoring: Regularly check your blood sugar as your doctor advises.

What Are the Risks?

If not managed well, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Heart disease, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Kidney damage, which can lead to kidney disease
• Nerve damage, causing pain or numbness in your hands and feet
• Eye problems, which can affect your vision

Can You Prevent It?

You can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and exercise
• Eating a diet high in fibre and low in sugar and fat
• Getting regular check-ups to monitor your blood sugar levels

Type 2 diabetes is a manageable condition. By understanding what it is and how to manage it, you can take control of your health. If you think you might have type 2 diabetes or are at risk, talk to your doctor for advice and support. With the right lifestyle choices and medical care, you can effectively manage type 2 diabetes and lead a healthy life