Risk Assessment – Type 2 Diabetes
Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Those with type 2 diabetes are considered to have an insulin deficiency. Individuals with type 2 diabetes have hyperglycemia (high levels of sugar in the blood). This occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin (a hormone released by the pancreas) or does not respond well enough to insulin. While it used to only be seen in adults over 40 years, it is increasingly being seen in younger adults and even children due to growing rates of obesity and physical inactivity.
- The pancreas does not produce enough insulin that your body needs or it does not work effectively
- Results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors: e.g. genetic predisposition, associated with lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, overweight or obesity, insufficient physical activity, poor diet and the classic ‘apple shape’ body where extra weight is carried around the waist
- Initially managed with healthy eating and regular physical activity. However, most people will also need tablets and insulin
- People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, circulation problems,amputation, nerve damage and damage to the kidneys and eyes.
- There is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes.
- The onset is insidious (without obvious symptoms at first)
- Many individuals are not diagnosed until organ damage has already occurred
How can exercise help?
- improves blood glucose control
- improved insulin sensitivity (for those on medication this can mean a reduction in medication)
- reduced body fat & weight loss – leading to better managed diabetes
- if you are have pre-diabetes (e.g. have Impaired Fasting Glucose and Impaired Glucose Tolerance – a stage between normal blood glucose levels and levels when diabetes is diagnosed) you can prevent developing type 2 diabetes by exercising
- exercise in general can lower the risk of developing chronic diseases (which you are at an increased risk of developing if you have type 2 diabetes)
- exercise teamed with healthy eating is a good approach to preventing diseases and staying healthy
Risk Assessment – Type 2 Diabetes
For more information visit http://www.diabetesrisk.org.au/