Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin in the pancreas to manage blood glucose levels in the body [1]. While often diagnosed in older people, type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children, adolescents and young adults [2].

Type 2 diabetes has strong genetic and family-related risk factors. Other risk factors include:

• high blood pressure
• high blood cholesterol
• smoking tobacco
• low levels of physical activity
• unhealthy diet
• being overweight or obese [2] [3].

Type 2 diabetes can develop over years and many people won’t have symptoms which can delay diagnosis. For some people, complications may already be present [1]. The progression of the condition can be slowed, and in some cases halted, by a healthy diet and increased exercise [3].