This special issue takes a closer look at type 2 diabetes
What is type 2 diabetes?
When we eat food, the digestion process releases energy-packed sugars into the blood, leading to a rise in so-called blood sugar levels. For our organs to access this energy, we need to move these sugars from the blood and into cells, for example into muscle cells which allow us to exercise. This movement of sugar is dependent on a hormone called insulin, which is released when we eat food and helps to maintain low blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the body no longer responds as effectively to insulin, i.e. the body becomes insulin resistant. This resistance to insulin means that sugar cannot be used effectively by the cells of the body for energy and so sugars end up accumulating in the blood. The body eventually becomes overwhelmed and starts to release sugar into the urine. People with type 2 diabetes will end up peeing more and might often feel very thirsty. Untreated type 2 diabetes can lead to heart disease and kidney disease.
Why does it happen?
Type 2 diabetes can be caused by a number of factors. Inherited genes play a key role, so if your immediate family members have type 2 diabetes, you’re more likely to have it. Ethnicity and age also play a role. More commonly, type 2 diabetes can be caused by excess body weight, especially combined with a poor diet. Studies suggest that around 85% of people with type 2 diabetes are in the overweight or obese BMI category. The onset of type 2 diabetes is typically in middle age, but childhood obesity is contributing to rising numbers of adolescent-onset type 2 diabetes.
How can I prevent it?
A healthy lifestyle is your best defence against type 2 diabetes. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is key. If you are in the overweight or obese BMI category then losing weight should be an immediate goal.
How can I treat it?
Type 2 diabetes is treated by careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and by regular insulin injections to boost insulin levels. Drugs such as metformin can also be used, which lowers the release of sugars into the blood. A healthy lifestyle is always recommended and has been shown to reverse insulin resistance.
What else should I know?
Untreated type 2 diabetes can lead to dangerously high levels of sugar in the blood. This eventually becomes toxic and affects sensitive organs such as the kidneys (leading to kidney failure and dialysis) or the eyes (leading to blindness). It can also cause nerve damage and can lead to requiring amputations.
What is my personal experience?
Fortunately I do not have diabetes and I actually don’t know anyone with type 2 diabetes either. Although I exercise a lot, my sweet tooth means my diet could definitely do with improving.
Acknowledgements
This special issue has been put together from a variety of sources and personal knowledge. To learn more, check out these websites (diabetes.org, NHS) for a great starting point.
Abstract Athlete 