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What causes type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs because cells in the body become resistant to a hormone called insulin, which plays an important role in helping glucose pass into cells in the body. While there is a range of factors that increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, lifestyle behaviors such as eating a poor diet, carrying extra weight, and leading a mostly sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity, can increase your risk significantly.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that impairs a person's ability to control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Because blood glucose levels need to be within a normal range for a person to be healthy, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health …

What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

It is very common for people with type 2 diabetes to not experience any symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the condition. However, there are three symptoms that are common when glucose levels are very high. These symptoms are increased …

Who gets type 2 diabetes?

Anyone can get type 2 diabetes, but the risk increases as you get older, if you are overweight or obese, have previously had gestational diabetes, or have a family history of type 2 diabetes.

How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes is diagnosed with laboratory tests that analyze a blood sample for the amount of glucose present in the blood.

How is type 2 diabetes treated?

Depending on how advanced type 2 diabetes is, it is treated with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. People with diabetes may often also need to see a range of healthcare providers …

Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Most people who develop type 2 diabetes do so very slowly. This period is sometimes called pre-diabetes. Lifestyle changes such as eating a low-fat healthy diet, being physically active and losing weight if you are overweight or obese can help to prevent …

Is type 2 diabetes serious?

Although it develops slowly, type 2 diabetes is a very serious health condition that requires lifelong management. It is a significant cause of health conditions including heart disease and stroke, kidney failure and blindness.

What can make type 2 diabetes worse?

Not managing your blood glucose (sugar) levels can increase your risk of serious complications of type 2 diabetes. Smoking, in particular, increases the risk of complications.

How common is type 2 diabetes?

In Australia, type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition, affecting almost 1 million people. Another 2 million people have pre-diabetes and are at a high risk of going on to develop type 2 diabetes.

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About this article

Author: Kellie Heywood
First answered: 28 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 1251 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Type 1 diabetes

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