What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
People with type 2 diabetes may not experience symptoms at first, but when symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- Feeling very tired
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of cuts and bruises
- Frequent infections
What causes type 2 diabetes?
The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to its development. These include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Not being active enough
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being over 45 years old
- Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels
How common is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is quite common in the UK. It is estimated that around 4.9 million people have diabetes, and the majority have type 2 diabetes.
Who is more likely to get type 2 diabetes?
Some people are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These include:
- Individuals with a family history of diabetes
- People who are overweight
- Those who are physically inactive
- Individuals over the age of 45
- People from certain ethnic groups, including South Asian, African-Caribbean, and Middle Eastern
How can I treat type 2 diabetes?
While type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively. Treatment options include:
- Making healthy food choices
- Staying active and exercising regularly
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Taking prescribed medication (like semaglutide, metformin, tirzepatide or dapagliflozin)
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How to prevent type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by making some lifestyle changes, such as:
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Being physically active most days of the week
How to live with type 2 diabetes?
Living with type 2 diabetes can require adjustments to daily life, including:
- Regularly checking blood sugar levels
- Following a diabetes-friendly diet
- Staying active and keeping track of medication
What support is available for people with type 2 diabetes?
There is support available for those living with type 2 diabetes, including:
- Diabetes support groups
- Consultations with health professionals like dietitians and diabetes educators
- Online resources and information from trusted health organisations
Final thoughts
Type 2 diabetes is a manageable condition with the right care and lifestyle changes. If you are concerned about diabetes or your health, it’s important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
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