O MeA e tAtAU OnA e IlOA - Australian Diabetes Council

Types of diabetes - continued
Type 2 diabetes
This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in people over 40 years of age. However it is now
being diagnosed in younger people, including children. Poor lifestyle choices are a major
reason for this increase in young people .
Inactivity and poor food choices can result in weight gain, especially around the waist.
This prevents the body from being able to use insulin properly (insulin resistance) so blood
glucose levels rise. Type 2 diabetes has a slow onset.
Type 2 diabetes runs in families so children and grandchildren are at risk. The good news is
that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented when healthy lifestyle choices that focus
on increasing physical activity, healthy food choices and weight loss are made. For this reason
it is important to know your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include frequent urination, thirst, blurred vision, skin
infections, slow healing, tingling and numbness in the feet. Often, there are no symptoms
present, or symptoms are not recognised.
Once diagnosed, it is very important to maintain good blood glucose (sugar) levels as soon
as possible to avoid complications.
Management should begin with healthy food choices and regular physical activity. However,
diabetes is a progressive disease and over time, oral medications and/or insulin may be needed.
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