This information is general only and does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body does not use insulin effectively (insulin resistance) and may not produce enough insulin. This leads to high blood sugar levels. It usually develops gradually and is more common in adults, though it is increasingly seen in younger people.
2. What are the common symptoms?
Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts, and unexplained weight changes. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms, especially in early stages, which is why regular screening is important.
3. What causes type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle influences. Risk factors include being overweight, physical inactivity, poor diet, family history of diabetes, certain ethnic backgrounds, and older age. Unlike type 1, it is not an autoimmune disease.
4. How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
A GP diagnoses type 2 diabetes using blood tests, such as fasting blood glucose, HbA1c (average blood sugar over 2–3 months), or oral glucose tolerance tests. Symptoms plus elevated blood sugar levels confirm the diagnosis.
5. How is type 2 diabetes treated?
Treatment often starts with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, weight management, and regular exercise. If needed, oral medications like metformin are prescribed. Some people may also require insulin or other injectable therapies to control blood sugar.
6. Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
While type 2 diabetes is generally a lifelong condition, early and consistent lifestyle changes—particularly weight loss, healthy diet, and physical activity—can sometimes lead to remission, where blood sugar levels return to normal without medication.
7. What are the risks of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes?
Uncontrolled blood sugar increases the risk of long-term complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage (neuropathy), eye problems (retinopathy), and poor wound healing.
8. How often should blood sugar be monitored?
Monitoring frequency depends on your treatment plan. People on oral medications may check less frequently, while those on insulin may need multiple daily checks. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can also provide ongoing blood sugar trends.
9. Can lifestyle changes help manage type 2 diabetes?
Yes. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol can improve blood sugar control, reduce the need for medication, and lower the risk of complications.
10. When should I see a GP urgently?
Seek urgent medical care if you experience symptoms of very high blood sugar, such as extreme thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, or fruity-smelling breath. Early intervention prevents serious complications like hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
