What is type 2 diabetes?
In the past, type 2 diabetes was a condition that adults got. A problem that developed with age; a problem often associated with weight gain and even called “adult-onset diabetes”. But times are changing.
Type 2 Diabetes:
- develops gradually so it can be hard to spot
- is chronic, so once it has developed it needs life-long management
- results from ineffective processing of sugar, elevating blood-sugar levels because the body is resistant to insulin
Early symptoms may include:
- tiredness
- feeling thirsty
- increased need to urinate
- dry mouth
- itching
- blurred vision
Later symptoms may include:
- cuts take longer to heal
- darker patches of skin
- yeast infections
- pain in the feet
- numbness in hands or feet
The age for developing type 2 diabetes is getting lower.
Current news highlights the problem. In just three years the RCPCH reports a 41% rise in the number of people under 25 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Protect children’s health.
Government action to cut sugar in products is in place. Chapter 2 of the plan targeting childhood obesity is in place too. However, the programme continues up until 2030. It’s important that parents and other child carers take action to help young people now. Simply increasing exercise and decreasing sugary, fatty foods makes a significant difference to overall health.
Although it can be difficult to make significant changes to lifestyle, it’s worth it in the long run.