Just the Facts About Type 2 Diabetes

If you have just been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, you will probably have many questions.  It will be helpful to learn about healthy living with diabetes. Here you will find lots of useful information and tools to help you manage your diabetes and achieve your simple wins. 

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the inability of the beta cells in the pancreas (Islets of Langerhans) to produce enough insulin to keep up with the body’s needs. The body also does not use the insulin that is produced very well.

You may be more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you have a history of diabetes in your family.  Other risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes are obesity, lack of activity, and race or ethnicity. Often symptoms can be absent or can be mild and appear over years before a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made.

You probably have many questions. But you’ve come to the right place to learn about healthy living with diabetes. Bayerdiabetes.co.uk will provide you with tools, resources and Bayer Diabetes product information to help you achieve your simple wins.

You will learn about high blood glucose levels  (hyperglycemia) and low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). You will also learn about blood glucose testing, meal planning, the benefits of exercise and more. All you have to do is sign up for free access to all the resources on this site. It’s that simple.

Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)

Hyperglycaemia is when your blood glucose level is too high.  It is usually a sign that your diabetes is not under control and that your medication is not sufficient. You should try to watch out for the following signs:

• Going to the toilet frequently (to pass urine)
• Feeling thirsty
• Feeling constantly hungry
• Losing weight
• Feeling tired
• Blurred vision

You can help to avoid hyperglycaemia by eating and drinking regularly and taking the right dose of your medication on time. If your blood glucose level remains high you will need to talk to your healthcare professional about adjusting your medication. Make sure you check your blood glucose level regularly too.  Bayer’s GLUCOFACTS^® Deluxe diabetes management software is a helpful tool for tracking your progress. By using software to track your blood glucose test results you can easily see if and when your blood glucose levels are fluctuating.

You may need to talk to your diabetes nurse about changing your insulin or medication if your blood glucose level is not staying under control.

Ketoacidosis is a serious condition that, while not common in people with type 2 diabetes, can sometimes occur. For more information click here.
 

Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose)

You may hear hypoglycaemia referred to as a hypo. It simply means your blood glucose level is too low. You usually get some warning that hypoglycaemia is coming on, but occasionally it can be sudden and cause you to lose consciousness.

The signs of hypoglycaemia are:

• Feeling shaky
• Dizziness
• Feeling hungry
• Feeling irritable
• Sweating
• Confusion

You can develop hypoglycaemia if you have missed a meal or eaten late, not eaten enough carbohydrate, done a lot more exercise than normal or given yourself too much insulin or medication. Alcohol can also cause hypoglycaemia.

Always carry sugary snacks or drinks around with you, glucose (sugar) tablets are good. If you feel the signs of hypoglyacemia coming on, eat the sugary snack first. You should then eat something with starch like a sandwich or your next meal too.

Try to avoid hypoglycaemia by eating regularly and often. Build up your levels of exercise gradually and be careful that you give yourself the correct dose of insulin or medication. If you are prone to hypoglycaemia, you should perform blood glucose tests more frequently and adjust your medication or dietary intake as needed.  Always ask your diabetes nurse, if you are in doubt about what to do or if you experience frequent hypoglycaemia.

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