Quick answer
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood becomes too high. It develops when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. It can often be managed with changes to diet and activity, and medication where needed.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. Normally a hormone called insulin moves glucose from the blood into the body’s cells to be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes the body either does not produce enough insulin, or the cells do not respond to it properly, so glucose builds up in the blood.
Symptoms
Symptoms can be mild and develop gradually, so they are easy to miss. They may include:
- feeling very thirsty
- passing urine more often than usual, especially at night
- feeling tired
- blurred vision
- losing weight without trying
- cuts or wounds healing slowly, or recurring infections
Many people are diagnosed during a routine check before symptoms appear.
Who is more at risk
The risk of type 2 diabetes is higher if you are older, carry extra weight (particularly around the middle), have a family history of the condition, are less physically active, or are from certain ethnic backgrounds. Some of these factors can be changed and some cannot.
How it is managed
Managing type 2 diabetes aims to keep blood sugar in a healthy range and reduce the risk of complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and feet. This usually involves a combination of:
- a balanced diet and regular physical activity
- keeping to a healthy weight
- regular check-ups, including blood tests and reviews of your eyes and feet
- medication where needed, which a GP will prescribe and adjust over time
Living well with diabetes
With the right support, most people with type 2 diabetes live full, active lives. Regular reviews with your healthcare team, and small sustainable changes to daily habits, make a real difference to long-term health.
Common questions
- What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
- In type 1 diabetes the body cannot make insulin at all, and it usually begins in childhood or early adulthood. In type 2 diabetes the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it well; it is more common, usually develops later in life, and is strongly linked to lifestyle and other risk factors.
- What are the early signs of type 2 diabetes?
- Symptoms can be subtle and develop slowly. They include feeling thirsty, urinating more than usual, tiredness, blurred vision, recurring infections such as thrush, and cuts that heal slowly. Many people have no obvious symptoms at first.
- Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
- For some people, significant weight loss and lifestyle changes can bring blood sugar back into the normal range, sometimes described as remission. This is not possible for everyone, and any changes should be made with support from your healthcare team.
- What should I eat with type 2 diabetes?
- There is no single "diabetes diet". In general, a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, choosing wholegrains, and cutting down on sugary and highly processed foods helps. Your GP, nurse or a dietitian can give advice tailored to you.