Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes and accounts for about 90% of diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition where the glucose levels in your body are too high because either your body cannot make or cannot properly use a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made in the pancreas (an organ near the stomach) and it allows the glucose in your blood to enter your cells and fuel your body.
Type 2 diabetes is different from type 1 as your pancreas usually still produces insulin, just not enough of it or the insulin it produces doesn’t work properly.
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Some people can manage their type 2 diabetes by eating healthier, exercising and where required losing weight. Others may need to take medication to treat it. It’s also possible for some to put their type 2 diabetes into remission – we have a resource below that gives more information about this.
As part of your diabetes care, you will get check-up appointments to monitor your blood glucose levels, eyes, kidneys, heart, legs and feet. Diabetes UK has compiled a list of healthcare checks that should be carried out every year which you can find in the resources below.
You can find out more about type 2 diabetes through the different resources below.
Our My Type 2 Diabetes is a comprehensive eLearning course with all the facts, for anyone just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or those just wanting a refresher. Also, have a look at the local services section to see what diabetes services are offered in your area.
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Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed following blood or urine tests for something else. It's usually difficult to take in everything the GP tells you during the appointment, this film discusses how people felt when receiving the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and what the next steps were.
