HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes happens when your body can’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance). This makes your blood glucose (sugar) levels high.
You are at greater risk of getting type 2 diabetes if you:
- have diabetes in your family
- are Māori, Pasifika or Asian
- are over 45 years old
- are overweight
- had diabetes when you were pregnant.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Some people with type 2 diabetes don't have symptoms, so it's important to have a screening blood test.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:
- feeling thirsty
- passing lots of urine
- feeling tired and lacking energy
- getting infections more easily, such as skin infection
- not healing well
- having blurry vision.
Preventing type 2 diabetes
Have a screening blood test to check if you are heading towards getting diabetes (prediabetes).
If you're male and 45 or older, or female and 55 or older, you should have a blood screening test as part of a check of your risk of heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease).
If you are at higher risk (Māori, Pasifika, Asian, family history, diabetes in pregnancy, or are overweight) you should start screening earlier.
Eat well with regular meals. For more information, see Eating well.
Staying physically active can prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days, and to spend less time sitting. For more information, see Keeping active.
Being a healthy weight can prevent or delay the start of diabetes. If you are overweight, losing only 5 to 10% can make a difference. For more information, see Tips to help you lose weight.
Diagnosing type 2 diabetes
A blood test called HbA1c measures the amount of sugar in your blood over the last two to three months. You have diabetes if your HbA1c results are higher than 50.
Treating type 2 diabetes
Eating well with diabetes, being physically active and aiming for a healthy weight are the main treatments for type 2 diabetes. If lifestyle measures aren't enough by themselves, your doctor may recommend tablets or insulin.
You will also need regular checks for complications, which may need treatment.
Medications for type 2 diabetes
Metformin is the most commonly used medication. It helps your body use insulin to reduce your blood sugar. It also helps some people lose weight.
Tummy upset is the commonest side effect with metformin. If you get very sick, especially with vomiting and diarrhoea, stop taking your metformin and talk to your doctor.
Other medications include:
- sulphonylureas (glipizide, glibenclamide). They can give you low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). If you get very sick, stop taking your tablet and talk to your doctor
- DPP-4 inhibitors (vildagliptin)
- SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin)
- alpha‑glucosidase inhibitors (acarbose)
- glitazones (pioglitazone)
- dulaglutide (Trulicity).
Insulin
You might need to start insulin injections.
There are lots of types of insulin and ways of giving it. Your doctor and nurse will find what suits you best.
For more information about insulin, see Managing insulin.
Check‑ups
You will also need regular check‑ups for complications of diabetes, and you'll need treatment if you develop the complications.
Self‑care for type 2 diabetes
Eating well, including reducing the amount of added and natural sugars, is most important.
Regular physical activity can reduce blood glucose, and if you are overweight it can help you lose weight.
Aim to be a healthy weight, as weight loss can treat type 2 diabetes. If you are overweight, losing just 5 to 10% will be helpful.
Getting help for type 2 diabetes
The following health care professionals can help:
- your GP and practice nurse
- diabetes clinical nurse specialists
- dietitians
- podiatrists
- optometrists and ophthalmologists (eye specialist)
- Green Prescription for help with getting more active
- healthy eating programmes
- Poutini Waiora nurse services.
For support and information:
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2019.
Review key: HIDIA-21832
