Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a common health condition, and it can cause your blood sugar to rise higher than it should.
What is blood sugar?
Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main type of sugar in your blood. Your body uses it for energy. The pancreas, a small organ tucked behind your stomach, makes a hormone called insulin.
Think of insulin as a key. It lets blood sugar move out of the blood and into your body's cells, where it can be used for energy.
Why does blood sugar get too high?
In type 2 diabetes, this system stops working as smoothly as it should. This can happen in two ways: either the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin, or the insulin it does make doesn't work properly.
In both cases, the result is the same. Sugar builds up in the blood instead of moving into the cells where it's needed.
What is the HbA1c test?
The HbA1c is a blood test that your care team will check at least once a year. You may need it more often if your medication has changed or if new symptoms appear. It gives your healthcare team a good estimate of your average blood sugar levels over the last 3 months.
Your healthcare team will work with you to set a target HbA1c level. If your result comes back too high or too low, your treatment plan may need to be adjusted.
My Diabetes My Way has a video explaining the HbA1c test and how it helps lower your risk of complications, which you may find helpful.
Checking your blood sugar at home
You may also be asked to check your own blood sugar at home using a small device called a blood glucose meter.
This is especially important if you take insulin or sulphonylureas (such as gliclazide), since these medicines can sometimes push your blood sugar too low, a state known as a hypo.
If you need a meter, your diabetes team will show you how to use it properly.
Driving with diabetes
Having diabetes does not stop you from driving, but a few rules apply.
You can read more about driving with diabetes from the DVLA.
You are required by law to inform your insurance company. Doing so will not affect your ability to drive, but it is a legal obligation.
If you take a medication that puts you at risk of a hypo, it's important to know what to do and to always carry a way of checking your blood sugar with you.
If a hypo happens while you're driving, you should:
- pull over safely and switch off the engine
- move out of the driver's seat
- eat or drink something sugary to treat the hypo
- wait at least 45 minutes after your blood sugar has returned to a safe level (5mmol/l or above) before driving again
Diabetes UK also offers helpful advice and information about driving with diabetes.
সাধারণ উপসর্গ
⚠️ এই উপসর্গের তালিকা শিক্ষামূলক উদ্দেশ্যে। এই উপসর্গগুলি থাকার অর্থ এই নয় যে আপনার এই অবস্থা রয়েছে। সঠিক নির্ণয়ের জন্য একজন ডাক্তারের পরামর্শ নিন।
সাধারণত ব্যবহৃত ওষুধ
⚠️ এই ওষুধগুলি সাধারণত এই অবস্থার নিশ্চিত নির্ণয়ের জন্য ব্যবহৃত হয়। এটি একটি সুপারিশ বা প্রেসক্রিপশন নয়। চিকিৎসা অবশ্যই আপনার ডাক্তার দ্বারা নির্ধারিত হতে হবে।
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but certain things make it more likely.
Risk factors you cannot change
Some things that raise your risk of type 2 diabetes are simply beyond your control. These include your age, your family history, and your family background.
The condition becomes more common as people get older. If a close relative has type 2 diabetes, your own chances of developing it go up. People from certain family backgrounds also face higher risk from a younger age, including those who are:
- South Asian
- Chinese
- African-Caribbean
- Black African
Risk factors you can change
Other risk factors are within your control, and changing them can lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. These include your weight and your general lifestyle.
Carrying extra weight is one of the most common risk factors, particularly when that weight is held mostly around the tummy.
Treatment
Treating type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is treated by:
- changes to your diet
- losing weight
- medication
Medication
Some people need medication to treat their type 2 diabetes.
Metformin is a common medicine often prescribed first. It helps lower blood sugar towards normal levels, but doesn’t put you at risk of low blood sugars.
Diabetes UK have more information on Metformin
SGLT2 inhibitor tablets cause your kidneys to release sugar into your pee. This helps lower your blood sugar. These medications are also used for heart failure and kidney disease.
Diabetes UK have more information on SGLT2 inhibitors
GLP-1 agonists can be injections or tablets. These help your pancreas make more insulin and can help you make more healthy food choices.
Diabetes UK have move information on GLP-1 agonists
There are other medications sometimes used like:
- sulphonylureas such gliclazide
- gliptins
- pioglitazone
Some people with type 2 diabetes may need insulin injections. Your diabetes care team will teach you how to inject insulin yourself.
Diabetes UK have more information on insulin
Reporting side effects
You can report suspected side effects of vaccines, medicines and medical devices through the Yellow Card Scheme.
This can be done by:
- visiting the Yellow Card Scheme website
- phoning the free Yellow Card hotline on 0800 731 6789 (available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Hypo (hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose)
If you’re using insulin or sulphonylureas (like gliclazide), a side affect of these can be something known as a hypo. This is when your blood glucose levels can become too low.
Most people using other medications for type 2 diabetes don’t experience hypos. For this reason you wouldn’t normally be asked to check your blood sugars with a finger prick strip.
Read more about hypoglycaemia
Remission of type 2 diabetes
Remission is when you have a normal, or near normal, blood sugar without using medications.
This is easier to do if you have had type 2 diabetes for less than 10 years.
Your healthcare professional can discuss what options are available to you.
Read more from Diabetes UK about remission
Prevention
Type 2 diabetes হওয়ার ঝুঁকি কমে যায় যখন আপনি প্রতিদিনের কয়েকটি বিষয়ের যত্ন নেন। চেষ্টা করুন:
- আপনার ওজন সুস্থ সীমার মধ্যে রাখতে
- প্রচুর পরিমাণে ফল, শাকসবজি এবং গোটা শস্য খেতে
- শারীরিকভাবে সক্রিয় থাকতে
- ধূমপান এড়িয়ে চলতে
- অ্যালকোহল খাওয়ার পরিমাণ কমিয়ে দিতে
Complications
Living with type 2 diabetes
It’s possible to live a full and healthy life with type 2 diabetes.
You should:
- have a care plan that’s been discussed with your healthcare professional
- stay active and eat well
- have blood tests and urine tests every year
- have eye checks and feet checks
If remission isn’t possible you might be able to control type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. Over time many people need medicine. Your healthcare professional will talk to you about your options.
Complications of type 2 diabetes
If blood sugar levels stay high for a long time, it can cause other health problems.
These could be:
- heart and circulation problems
- nerve damage
- eye problems
- kidney problems
- foot problems
- sexual problems
You can also help reduce the risk of developing complications by:
- having an Hb1Ac at the target level
- reducing your cholesterol
- stopping smoking
- treating any high blood pressure
Over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels. The damage can make them narrow and they can become blocked.
This can lead to heart disease, having a heart attack or having a stroke.
High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels in your nerves.
This can cause a tingling or burning pain, or numbness, most often in your hands and feet.
If you have numbness, it’s important to be extra careful with your feet. Cuts and sores might not be noticed, which can lead to serious infections.
Read more about diabetic foot issues
High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of the eye that lets you see. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy.
To check for this, everyone with diabetes who is over 12 will be invited to an eye screening. The screening isn’t painful and takes a picture of the back of your eye. If found early, treatment can help protect your sight.
There are other conditions that can affect your eyes like cataracts.
Don’t wait for your eye screening. If you have any problems or concerns about your eye health you should contact your optician.
My Diabetes My Way has more information about diabetes and eyes.
High blood sugar can also harm the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys. This means they don’t work as well.
Regular urine tests and monitoring your blood pressure helps to pick up any problems before they become serious.
Read more about kidney disease
Because of poor circulation and nerve damage, cuts or blisters on your feet can get infected more easily. This can lead to problems like foot ulcers.
My Diabetes My Way has information about how diabetes can affect your feet.
Your feet will be checked at least every 2 years by your care team. It’s still very important to check your feet every day and tell your doctor or nurse about any changes in-between checks.
Read more about how to look after your feet when you have type 2 diabetes
Nerve and blood vessel damage can cause:
- problems with erections
- vaginal dryness
- pain during sex
Thrush is more common in people with diabetes.
These issues can often be treated. Speak to your healthcare professional if you’re worried.
If you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, you should talk to your healthcare professional first.
You need to control your blood sugar very well before and during early pregnancy.
Some diabetes tablets are not safe during pregnancy. You may need to switch to insulin injections.
You may need to take a higher dose of folic acid, which helps prevent problems with your baby’s spine. This is only available on prescription.
Pregnancy can put extra pressure on the small blood vessels in your eyes, so it is important to treat any eye problems before you get pregnant.
Support for people with type 2 diabetes
It can help to talk to others who understand what you’re going through.
The charity Diabetes UK has local support groups and a helpline.
You can phone Diabetes UK Helpline (Scotland) on 0141 212 8710 Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.
Getting financial help
Some people with diabetes may be able to get financial help or benefits. This depends on how diabetes affects your daily life.
Social Security Scotland can help with applications for benefits. You can phone 0800 182 2222 or talk to their Webchat Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Citizens Advice Scotland can help check what benefits you might be entitled to. You can phone 0800 028 1456.
Telecare Self-Check online tool
Telecare is the use of equipment that can get you help quickly if you need it.
It can help give you, your family and carers peace of mind. It also can allow you to live more independently in your own home and when you’re outside.
Visit the Telecare Self-Check online tool to find the right support for you in your area. This easy to use online tool allows you to find helpful information on telecare services that could help you live independently at home for longer.
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.