Diabetes - Type 2
What is type 2 diabetes?
- Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high.
- It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness. It can also increase your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves.
- It's a lifelong condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change your diet, take medicines and have regular check-ups.
- It's caused by problems with a chemical in the body (hormone) called insulin. It's often linked to being overweight or inactive, or having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
Check if you have type 2 diabetes
Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising. This is because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:
- peeing more than usual, particularly at night
- feeling thirsty all the time
- feeling very tired
- losing weight without trying to
- itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush
- cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- blurred vision
You're more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you:
- are over 40 (or 25 for south Asian people)
- have a close relative with diabetes (such as a parent, brother or sister)
- are overweight or obese
- are of south Asian, Chinese, African Caribbean or black African origin (even if you were born in the UK)
See a GP if:
- you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes
- you're worried you may have a higher risk of getting it
Your GP can diagnose diabetes. You'll need a blood test, which you may have to go to your local health centre for if it cannot be done at your GP surgery.
The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treatment started, the better. Early treatment reduces your risk of other health problems.
For more information on Type 2 Diabetes, please visit ctmuhb.nhs.wales/services/diabetes or the NHS 111 Wales website.
For further information please email: CTM.WISE@wales.nhs.uk or call us on 01685 351 451. Visit our website at: https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/wise-ctm