Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is not
producing enough insulin and the insulin is not working effectively.
Type 2 diabetes:
• Represents 85 to 90 per cent of all cases of
diabetes
• Risk factors include family history, being overweight and ethnic
background – it is most common in coastal Papua New Guineans,
particularly Wanigelas, and Tolais and other islanders, but also occurs
in other coastal areas and the highlands – there are people with
diabetes all over PNG
• Lifestyle factors such as unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity
can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes
Diagnosis
Usually in adults over the age of 45 but it is
increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Symptoms
Often symptoms go unnoticed as the disease develops
gradually. Symptoms may include blurred vision, skin infections, slow
healing, tingling and numbness in the feet. Sometimes no symptoms are
noticed at all.
Management
Regular physical activity and healthy eating is
important for all people with diabetes, and sometimes is the only
treatment needed.
More often though, tablets and/or insulin injections
are required as well. In Papua New Guinea, the tablets most commonly
used are metformin and glibenclamide – your doctor will chose the most
appropriate for you. For insulin, various types are available – your
doctor will advise you.
Click here for further information on management
Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes
Risk factors you cannot change:
Age,
family history,
ethnic background,
gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy),
Risk factors you can change:
Avoiding obesity by maintaining healthy weight,
making lifestyle changes by following a healthy
eating plan, doing regular physical activity and having regular health
checks.
See
prevention page