Understanding Type 2 Diabetes: A 2 Minute Guide by Diabetes UK
By Diabetes UK
Introduction
This article provides a brief and informative overview of Type 2 diabetes based on a video by Diabetes UK.
What is Type 2 Diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the insulin your pancreas makes can’t work properly, or your pancreas can’t make enough insulin. Insulin is essential as it allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
- Common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include feeling very tired, needing to urinate a lot, feeling extremely thirsty, cuts and grazes healing slowly, and getting infections like thrush. Some people don’t get any symptoms or they don’t notice them.
Complications of Type 2 Diabetes
- Over a long period of time, high glucose levels in your blood can seriously damage your heart, eyes, feet, and kidneys.
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
- There are different ways of treating Type 2 diabetes. Some people can manage it by healthier eating, being more active, and losing weight. Eventually, most people will need medication to bring their blood glucose down to a safe level.
Conclusion
Researchers are investigating ways to put Type 2 diabetes into remission so people’s blood glucose levels return to normal and stay there. They are also finding out more about Type 2 diabetes to prevent it, find new ways to treat it, and one day find a cure.