What is type 2 diabetes?Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or when cells in the body do not respond to the insulin produced; this is known as insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of all adult diabetes cases in Qatar. Lifestyle and hereditary features are the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes are often less obvious and some people may not know they have the illness. It is important that if you think you have any of the
symptoms that you see your doctor.
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose (sugar) level. Type 2 also occurs when the body is unable to use the insulin that is produces – this is known as insulin resistance. Lifestyle and hereditary features are the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Preventing type 2 diabetes
In many cases, type 2 diabetes is preventable. Therefore,
lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, healthy eating, physical activity and stopping smoking are important steps towards dramatically lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How is type 2 diabetes treated?
Managing type 2 diabetes is the basis for treatment; there is currently no known cure for diabetes. Managing type 2 diabetes requires lifestyle modifications, specifically increasing one’s exercise and making dietary modifications. Paying particular attention to the type and amount of food consumed, weight control and stopping smoking cigarettes and shisha are all part of the treatment plan. Patient education is also a key element of effective treatment. As diabetes is a progressive illness, medication in the form of tablets or injections may become necessary for managing the disease.
Type 2 treatment diagram:
