Type 2 diabetes is a condition where blood glucose (sugar) is high because of insulin resistance. In people without diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin which acts to move glucose out of the blood and into the body cells where it is the main source of energy. In Type 2 diabetes the body cells become resistant to the action of insulin, and eventually the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to keep glucose in the normal range.^3,4

Unlike in Type 1 diabetes, people with Type 2 diabetes usually continue to produce insulin, particularly in early stages. The problem is that the insulin doesn't work as effectively as it should.⁴

Over time, high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss and nerve damage.⁵

With treatment, Type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed with a combination of lifestyle change and medications. Some people can achieve remission of diabetes with weight loss and sustained lifestyle change.^6,7

When symptoms do develop, they may include:

• • increased thirst
• • frequent urination
• • tiredness
• • blurred vision
• • slow-healing cuts
• • frequent skin infections
• • recurrent thrush
• • unexplained weight loss (less common)
• • numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.^8,9

If left untreated, symptoms usually worsen as blood glucose levels continue to rise.

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed using blood tests. Your doctor may recommend:

Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before serious complications develop.⁹

After eating, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, allowing glucose to move into the body's cells where it can be used for energy.³

Insulin also tells the liver to stop releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream. Together, these processes keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.³

Type 2 diabetes develops gradually.

Initially, the body's cells become less sensitive to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. To compensate, the pancreas produces increasing amounts of insulin.⁴

Eventually, the insulin-producing beta cells become unable to keep up with demand. As insulin production falls, blood glucose levels begin to rise.⁴

This process often starts years before symptoms appear, which is why many people are diagnosed during a routine blood test.⁸

Insulin resistance means the body's cells no longer respond normally to insulin. As a result:

• • glucose stays in the bloodstream
• • the pancreas works harder to produce more insulin
• • blood glucose gradually rises
• • beta cells become exhausted over time.⁴

Anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes, but the risk is higher if you:

• • First degree relative with diabetes¹
• • Overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² or ≥ 23 kg/m² in individuals of Asian ancestry)¹
• • Ethnicity and cultural background (including people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander or South Asian background)¹
• • Physically inactive¹
• • History of gestational diabetes or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, previously known as PCOS)¹
• • Have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol¹⁰
• • Over 40 years old¹
• • Smoking¹

You can check your risk with the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK).