It's the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in people of working age.Įveryone with diabetes aged 12 or over should be invited to have their eyes screened once a year for diabetic retinopathy (eye disease that could affect their vision).ĭiabetes is also responsible for most cases of kidney failure and lower limb amputation, other than accidents. It is less likely in type 2 diabetes, than it is in type 1 diabetes, that ‘hypos’ or ketoacidosis will occur.ĭiabetes can cause serious long-term health problems. If your blood sugar is too high, you can develop a condition called ketoacidosis.īoth conditions are serious, and can lead to hospital admission. Short term problems can occur if your blood sugar is too low, causing hypoglycaemia, or ‘hypos’. Some patients with more severe type 2 diabetes may need insulin injections. This is usually tablets to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. If there are any problems, you may be referred to a hospital-based diabetes care team.Īs type 2 diabetes controlled by diet and exercise usually gets worse you may eventually need medication. They'll also closely monitor your condition to identify any health problems that may occur. You will be given advice on diet and exercise to improve control of your blood glucose.įor some people this will be enough to control the blood glucose others may need to start on medication (tablets). If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your GP will be able to explain your condition in detail to help you understand your treatment. This is to prevent health problems developing later in life. Treatment for diabetes aims to keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible and to control your symptoms. ![]() People of south Asian and African-Caribbean origin also have an increased risk of developing complications of diabetes, such as heart disease, at a younger age than the rest of the population. genetics – having a close relative with the condition, such as a parent, brother or sister. ![]() age – being over the age of 40 (over 25 for people of south Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean or black African origin, even if you were born in the UK).Three of the main risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes are: This means glucose stays in the blood and isn't used as fuel for energy. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body's cells don't react to insulin. These include extreme thirst and frequent urination. Hyperglycaemia causes the main symptoms of diabetes (see above). ineffective diabetes medication, or not taking enough.Hyperglycaemia can occur for several reasons, including: This means your blood glucose levels may become very high. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to control your blood glucose level, or when the cells in your body don't respond properly to the insulin that is produced. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach. If your urine contains glucose, a specialised blood test known as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) can be used to find out whether you have diabetes. However, glucose can overflow through the kidneys and into your urine if you have diabetes. Your urine sample will be tested for glucose. They'll ask about your symptoms and may ask for blood and urine tests. If you experience the symptoms of diabetes (see above), see your GP as soon as possible. This is so treatment can begin as soon as possible. It's important for diabetes to be diagnosed early. See your GP if you think you may have diabetes. This means you may have type 2 diabetes for many years without realising it. This is because they are often mild and develop gradually over a number of years. These signs and symptoms aren't always obvious, however, and it's often diagnosed during a routine check-up. ![]() passing urine more often than usual, particularly at night.Your body tries to reduce blood glucose levels by getting rid of the excess glucose in your urine. The symptoms of diabetes occur because the lack of insulin means glucose stays in the blood and isn't used as fuel for energy. It's more common than type 1 diabetes.Īnother type of diabetes, known as gestational diabetes, occurs in some pregnant women and tends to disappear after birth. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and tends to be diagnosed in older people. type 2 – where the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or the body's cells don't react to insulin.type 1 – where the pancreas doesn't produce any insulin.Glucose is an important source of energy for the body. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, controls the amount of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood. This is because it will get worse if left untreated. It's important for diabetes to be diagnosed as soon as possible. Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar (glucose) level to become too high.
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