Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes and accounts for about 90% of diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition where the glucose levels in your body are too high because either your body cannot make or cannot properly use a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made in the pancreas (an organ near the stomach) and it allows the glucose in your blood to enter your cells and fuel your body.
Type 2 diabetes is different from type 1 as your pancreas usually still produces insulin, just not enough of it or the insulin it produces doesn’t work properly.
Some people can manage their type 2 diabetes by eating healthier, exercising and where required losing weight. Others may need to take medication to treat it. It’s also possible for some to put their type 2 diabetes into remission – we have a resource below that gives more information about this.
As part of your diabetes care, you will get check-up appointments to monitor your blood glucose levels, eyes, kidneys, heart, legs and feet. Diabetes UK has compiled a list of healthcare checks that should be carried out every year which you can find in the resources below.
You can find out more about type 2 diabetes through the different resources below.
My Type 2 Diabetes is a comprehensive online course with all the facts, for anyone just diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or those just wanting a refresher. Also, have a look at the local services section to see what diabetes services are offered in your area.
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In this video we answer the question: can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed following blood or urine tests for something else. It's usually difficult to take in everything the GP tells you during the appointment, this film discusses how people felt when receiving the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and what the next steps were.
For some people with diabetes, technology can be a really important part of how they manage their diabetes.
Most people treat their Type 2 diabetes with medication, diet and exercise. But some people are able to stop taking medication and put their diabetes into remission. This can be life-changing.
Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition where the insulin your pancreas makes can’t work properly, or your pancreas can’t make enough insulin. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.
This resource explains what diabetes remission is and how it's possible to put your type 2 diabetes into remission
This article will guide you through what kind of care you should receive as someone with diabetes.
This page explains what diabetes is. It also explains the difference between Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
This resource gives an overview of type 2 diabetes and tips on how to manage the condition.
65+ Years Old: Keeping Well With Your Type 2
This introduction to type 2 diabetes is a bitesize version of our more comprehensive My Type 2 Diabetes course. It covers all of the basics that you need to know about type 2 diabetes.
This course is aimed specifically at people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, if you are either newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for some time, this will help you to understand your diabetes better.
