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Type 2 diabetes

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Type 2 diabetes

Reviewed by Professor Ian Campbell, consultant physician and Dr Soon Song, consultant physician

Term watch

Type 2 diabetes used to be called 'non-insulin dependent diabetes'.

This is because insulin injections were not part of its treatment.

As some people with Type 2 also now require insulin, the phrase Type 2 is preferred.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance has a number of knock-on effects:

it causes high blood glucose

it disturbs the fat levels in the blood, making the arteries of the heart more likely to clog (coronary heart disease).

it raises blood pressure.

it increases the likelihood of gout developing (a painful condition of the joints).

The insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in people with Type 2 diabetes don't seem to come under attack from the immune system as they do in Type 1.

But they are still unable to cope with the need to produce a surge of insulin after a meal.

Normally, this insulin surge causes the body to store excess glucose coming in and so keeps the blood sugar level fairly constant.

Term watch Beta cells: cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

How common is it?

Type 2 diabetes is far more common than Type 1: 90 per cent of people with diabetes have this type.

People who develop Type 2 diabetes are usually older than those with Type 1.

But the distinction between the two types in all respects, including age, is becoming blurred.

What are the symptoms?

One of the major problems with Type 2 diabetes is in its early stages symptoms can be so mild they go unnoticed.

This means that as many as half of those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes have had the condition for months or even years before they know it.

It also means that a very high proportion of people with Type 2 diabetes already show signs of tissue damage to the eyes or hardening of the arteries from their diabetes by the time of diagnosis.

The main symptoms are similar to those of Type 1 diabetes.

Thirst.

Frequent urination.

Tiredness.

Weight loss may sometimes be present, but is not as marked as in Type 1 diabetes.

Itchiness, especially around the genitals, due to yeast infection (thrush).

Recurrent infections on the skin, eg yeast infections or boils.

Things to look out for

If other members of your family have Type 2 diabetes, this increases your risk of getting the condition.

If you are overweight you will significantly increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Almost all those affected by this condition are overweight. Your waist measurement is a good yardstick of your weight.

If you have high blood pressure or increased amounts of lipids (fat) in the blood.

If you've had a blood clot in the arteries supplying the heart (coronary thrombosis) or a stroke.

If you're on certain types of medications, especially corticosteroids or diuretics.

What can I do to avoid Type 2 diabetes?

Try not to become overweight.

Exercise regularly.

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