{"id":3089,"date":"2023-05-21T23:44:39","date_gmt":"2023-05-21T12:44:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/2023\/05\/21\/signs-of-type-2-diabetes\/"},"modified":"2024-02-15T10:04:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T23:04:00","slug":"signs-of-type-2-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/health-hub\/signs-of-type-2-diabetes\/","title":{"rendered":"Signs of type 2 diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is important to know the signs of type 2 diabetes. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can put measures in place in order to manage the condition and prevent health complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough of a hormone known as insulin or the insulin being made does not do its job like it should (source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/about-diabetes\/type-2-diabetes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Diabetes Australia<\/a>). Insulin acts like a key to let blood sugar into cells to be used as energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without insulin, glucose sits in the blood where it can build up and cause damage to various parts of the body if it is not managed. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to know the signs of type 2 diabetes and to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there early signs of type 2 diabetes?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are early signs of type 2 diabetes that are caused by high blood glucose levels. However, do not wait for these signs to develop. The most common symptom of type 2 diabetes is no symptom at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have any of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes, it is strongly recommended that you go to your doctor to get tested and diagnosed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These risk factors include;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosed with prediabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of Pacific Islander, Maori, Asian, Middle Eastern, North African or Southern European descent<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over 40 years old\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosed with high blood pressure or cholesterol<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A family history of type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">History of cardiovascular disease (e.g. heart attack, angina, stroke, narrowed blood vessels)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking certain antipsychotic or corticosteroid medication<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, lifestyle risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low levels of physical activity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unhealthy eating habits<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cigarette smoking<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The early signs of type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have several risk factors and are showing the below signs, it is even more important that you see your doctor, as you could have type 2 diabetes;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling excessively thirsty<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passing more urine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling tired and lethargic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always feeling hungry<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having cuts that heal slowly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itching, skin infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blurred vision<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gradually putting on weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling dizzy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I know if I have type 2 diabetes?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The only way to know if you have type 2 diabetes is to get a diagnosis from your doctor after they check your blood glucose levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t wait until you have these signs to consult your doctor, as an early diagnosis will make type 2 diabetes more manageable and health complications related to diabetes prevented or minimised.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Am I at risk of type 2 diabetes?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you consult your doctor, there is a series of questions you can complete that will help determine your risk for developing type 2 diabetes within the next 5 years. You can complete these questions <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/learn-about-life\/#health-check\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does my doctor diagnose type 2 diabetes?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are four kinds of tests that can be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common test is the fasting blood glucose test. You fast for at least 8 hours, at which point a blood sample is taken to determine if your blood glucose is in the diabetes range. A second fasting blood glucose test will be needed to confirm the diagnosis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another type of test is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) which starts with a fasting blood glucose test, but afterwards you drink a 75g glucose drink, followed by blood glucose tests 1 and 2 hours later.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The random blood glucose test does not require fasting and can be done at any time of the day. A second blood glucose test will be needed to confirm the diagnosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The HbA1c test gives an average of your blood glucose levels over the past 10 to 12 weeks, and doesn\u2019t require you to fast for it. A second HbA1c will be needed to confirm the diagnosis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Source: <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/conditionsandtreatments\/diabetes-type-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better Health<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does it mean if I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there are ways to manage your condition and prevent diabetes related health complications. They include;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating a healthy diet, which helps manage your blood glucose level as well as your body weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engaging in regular exercise; which helps insulin work more effectively, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular blood glucose monitoring, so you can make sure your treatment is working and make any alterations if necessary<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor may also prescribe you medication to help treat diabetes if necessary, like insulin injections or a medication to help keep your blood glucose at manageable levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Life!<\/em><\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> program help me find out if I have type 2 diabetes?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Life!<\/em> <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">program, you can take an online <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/#health-check\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">health check<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help you find out your risk of type 2 diabetes with a simple form that takes 3 minutes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Life!<\/em><\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a free healthy lifestyle program that helps you improve your eating habits, increase your physical activity and manage stress. You can choose from a group course or the Telephone Health Coaching service.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our experienced health professionals will help you make small changes to your lifestyle so that you can achieve your health goals and reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.\u00a0 <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Life!<\/em><\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is funded by the Victorian government and managed by Diabetes Victoria. You can check your eligibility for the program <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/learn-about-life\/#am-i-eligible\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"button teal\" href=\"#health-check\">Take the health check<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/type-2-diabetes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/type-2-diabetes<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/about-diabetes\/type-2-diabetes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.diabetesaustralia.com.au\/about-diabetes\/type-2-diabetes\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/conditionsandtreatments\/diabetes-type-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/conditionsandtreatments\/diabetes-type-2<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20171217_RTGHAUSDRISK_NewBanner_V06.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/20171217_RTGHAUSDRISK_NewBanner_V06.pdf<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/learn-about-life\/#health-check\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/learn-about-life\/#health-check<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Reviewers<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/elleni-kaias\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elleni Kaias<\/a>, Accredited Practicing Dietitian | Primary Care Engagement Lead<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kristie-cocotis-587282124\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kristie Cocotis<\/a>, Head of Prevention and Health Promotion<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sarah-dub%C3%A9-57861660\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sarah <\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW248055663 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248055663 BCX0\">Dub\u00e9, Strategy and Engagement Lead<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/au.linkedin.com\/in\/ria-cheripuram\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ria Cheripuram<\/a>, Digital Communications Officer<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/au.linkedin.com\/in\/tegankohlman\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tegan Kohlman<\/a>, Communications and Social Marketing Officer<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It is important to know the signs of type 2 diabetes. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can put measures in place in order to manage the condition and prevent health complications. Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough of a hormone known as insulin or the insulin being&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3090,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3089","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3089","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3089"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3089\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3263,"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3089\/revisions\/3263"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}