Type 2 Diabetes
By Cara Metcalf
Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease where the body is unable to properly regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. In Australia, approximately 1 in 4 Australians over the age of 18 have type 2 diabetes and in 2005, diabetes was the underlying cause of death in 3,529 deaths registered.
Treatment
At present, there is no complete cure for diabetes. People with diabetes are required to take medicine containing insulin to help control their glucose levels in their blood. Most diabetics are required to test their insulin levels daily.
Contributing Lifestyle Factors
Type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, smoking, large alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet and family history of diabetes.
Preventative Measures
To prevent getting diabetes people can maintain a healthy, balanced diet and weight, increase activity (do more exercise) and make sure you get enough sleep.
Some common signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes are:
- Increased urination
- Slow healing cuts and bruises
- Irritated gums
- Numbness
- Blurred vision/loss of vision
- Itchy, dry skin
- Unexplained fatigue
- Unquenchable thirst
- Headaches/dizziness
- Leg cramps
For more information visit:
- https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
- http://www.aihw.gov.au/diabetes/
- https://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442455003
- http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Diabetes_Type_2
- http://diabetes.about.com/od/symptomsdiagnosis/tp/riskfactors.htm
- http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Type-2-Diabetes
Phone: (02) 6232 3800
Facebook: facebook.com/DiabetesAus
Twitter: @DiabetesAus
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