Our Top Five FAQs

What causes type 2 diabetes?

While it has a strong genetic link, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes greatly increases through certain modifiable lifestyle factors. These factors include: high blood pressure, obesity, insufficient physical activity, poor diet and the ‘apple shape’ body (where extra weight is carried around the waist).  

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may not be obvious and can sometimes be misinterpreted as simply ‘old age’.

They include:

• Being excessively thirsty
• Passing more urine
• Feeling tired & lethargic
• Always feeling hungry
• Having cuts that heal slowly
• Blurred vision
• Gradually putting on weight
• Itching skin infections
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Leg cramps
• Feeling dizzy

Quite often, the first sign before diagnosis is a diabetes-related complication such as a heart attack or vision problems.

We highly recommend using this quick & simple assessment tool to assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and therefore modifying your lifestyle choices to prevent or at least delay its onset:  www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/chronic-diab-prev-aus/$File/austool5.pdf

How is type 2 diabetes treated?

Type 2 diabetes is progressive and needs to be effectively managed to prevent complications.  Regular blood glucose monitoring is required. Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their condition with regular physical activity, healthy eating and loss of excess weight. Others may need tablets and/or insulin injections as well.

In conjunction with your doctor, our Credentialled Diabetes Educators can help you formulate a plan and manage your diabetes. Please contact us to make an appointment.

What lifestyle changes are required?

Managing lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of diabetes-associated complications. Keeping blood glucose levels at optimal levels (as discussed with your doctor or one of our Credentialled Diabetes Educators) is a careful balance.

In type 2 diabetes, your pancreas is still working but not as effectively as it needs to. This means your body is building insulin resistance and is unable to effectively convert glucose into energy, thereby leaving too much glucose in the blood. Lifestyle changes for type 2 diabetes can sometimes initially be managed through:

• Eating well (helps manage your blood glucose levels and your body weight)
• Exercising (helps the insulin work more effectively, lowers your blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease).
• Regular blood glucose monitoring (tests whether the treatment being followed is helping to manage blood glucose levels or whether you need to adjust your treatment)
• In addition, medication may be required.

Can type 2 diabetes be cured?

While type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed, it cannot be cured.