Type 2 DiabetesType 2 Diabetes Type 2 DiabetesType 2 Diabetes

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body is insulin deficient or has a resistance to the action of insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called a “life style” disease as it more common in people who don’t do enough exercise, have an unhealthy diet and that are overweight or obese.

Type 2 diabetes is also strongly linked with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an “apple” body shape (where excess weight is carried around waist).

Type 2 Diabetes was previously seen mainly in older adults, however it is becoming more common in young children due to an increase of obese and overweight children.

The causes of type 2 diabetes are know and in most cases preventable.

However type 2 diabetes is incurable .

Type 2 Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to some serious problems later in life such as heart and kidney disease.

Risk Factors There are both preventable and non preventable

risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Some of the preventable factors include:• Type of diet• Amount of exercise• Cholesterol levels• Smoking• Blood pressure

Some of the non-preventable risk factors include:

• Family history• Increasing age• Being a particular culture (e.g.

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Improve food choices. Choose foods low in fat and sugar. Choose nutrient dense food instead of energy dense foods.

Exercise for at least 30 mins a day 5 days a week.

TreatmentTreatment for type 2 diabetes can

include:• insulin tablets or injections• maintaining a healthy lifestyle

which includes a healthy diet and regular exercise