Do you know these risk factors and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?
Whether you've just received a diagnosis or help care for someone living with type 2 diabetes, you have a lot to manage. Here are some must-knows about diabetes.
Firstly, what is diabetes?
Our bodies need a hormone called insulin to turn glucose into energy. When a person has diabetes, their body cannot make enough insulin or effectively use the insulin it does make. Because of this, the glucose in the blood rises to higher-than-normal levels and becomes unhealthy. There are different types of diabetes:1, 2, 3
Type 1 diabetes means a person is unable to produce enough or any insulin. People are born with this autoimmune disease. It can also develop in later life.
Type 2 diabetes means a person becomes resistant to insulin and gradually loses the ability to produce it. Several risk factors which increase chances of developing it.
Gestational diabetes happens when higher blood glucose develops during pregnancy, without a previous diabetes diagnosis.
Other forms of diabetes can be linked to other health issues or caused by specific medications.
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar levels are high, though not enough to mean diabetes has begun. It’s important to seek medical advice to manage your risk factors and avoid developing diabetes.
What's the big deal about type 2 diabetes?
When left unchecked, it's linked to serious health conditions such as poor foot and eye health. These can also lead to amputation or blindness if ignored).4 It’s also associated with heart disease, kidney disease, nerve problems, depression, anxiety and stress.4 Get tips for managing your diabetes here.
Am I at risk of diabetes?
Lifestyle and genetic factors are linked to the onset of type 2 diabetes. We can manage some of these (lifestyle factors). However, we cannot change the risk factors we are born with.
Talk to your doctor if you identify with these:5
- I have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- I'm overweight, obese or carrying excessive weight around the waist
- I do very little exercise
- My diet isn't varied or nutritious
- I'm over 55 years old
- I'm Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Pacific Islander or have Southern European or Asian background
- I've had a gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome or given birth to a baby weighing over 4.5kg
How do I know if I have diabetes?
People with pre-diabetes or who are in the initial stages of diabetes may not have any signs at all. If they do, these first symptoms can include:6, 7
- Feeling very thirsty and/or hungry
- Passing more urine
- Changes in weight
- Lethargy
- Itchy skin
- Increased infections (fungal or bacterial)
- Wounds that won't heal (such as sores and cuts)
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Pain or tingling in legs or feet.
Talk to your GP if this sounds familiar.
Need more support?
Book a diabetes medication review with your TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist. In this confidential, one-on-one consultation, your Pharmacist will support you to better control your diabetes by helping you:
- Better understand your medications and their role
- Improve how you use your self-monitoring devices
- Provide personalised support suited to your lifestyle
Book your diabetes medication review or find out more about managing diabetes here.
Disclaimer
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.