Type-2 diabetes

Type-2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It develops without obvious symptoms or pain. It accounts for 80 to 90 % of diabetes cases. It generally affects the over-40s. In recent years, increasing numbers of young adults and teenagers who are overweight have been affected by type-2 diabetes.

The cause of hyperglycaemia in type-2 diabetes is not the same as in type-1 diabetes. Two malfunctions are responsible for the high blood sugar level – namely:

  • the cells in the pancreas are not producing enough insulin,
  • the insulin produced is no longer effective. We then speak of insulin resistance.

Causes

There are multiple factors that can cause type-2 diabetes. It is a combination of several of these such as:

  • genetic factors
  • age
  • being overweight
  • storing fat around the abdomen
  • high blood pressure
  • lack of regular physical activity
  • eating habits
  • history of gestational diabetes
  • having given birth to a baby weighing 4 kg, etc.

Treatment

The two main fundamental treatments for type-2 diabetes are:

  • physical activity,
  • a balanced diet.

If these two measures prove insufficient to balance blood sugar levels, the doctor may prescribe oral and/or injectable medication.

Due to contraindications and potential secondary effects, treatment options must always be discussed with your doctor.

Living with type-2 diabetes

If you have diabetes, your lifestyle choices have a real impact on your wellbeing and how the disease progresses. Changes to your diet and regular physical activity can help delay or limit the onset of complications linked to diabetes.

A healthy, balanced diet

Getting used to eating healthily is essential in the treatment and management of diabetes. The recommendations in terms of eating well are similar to those for the population at large.

A healthy diet is one that is balanced and varied across all food groups and sources of nutrition. The best approach is to:

  • eat and enjoy everything in moderation,
  • avoid overindulging,
  • eat a wide variety of foods for appetising and delicious healthy meals.

Regular and appropriate physical activity

Just as with healthy eating, physical activity has a key role to play in treating diabetes. The benefits of physical activity are numerous:

  • improvement in blood sugar levels,
  • reduction in insulin resistance,
  • weight loss,
  • reduction in blood pressure,
  • reduction in bad cholesterol,
  • improvement in physical and mental health, etc.

Incorporate movement into your day-to-day life.

Physical activity must be regular in order to benefit your health. It is recommended that you move every day. Physical activity can be integrated into daily life in different ways:

  • sporting activity,
  • leisure activity,
  • activity as part of everyday life.

Walking is a basic physical activity that can be practised by many people, anywhere and at any age.

Other behaviours can be very quickly integrated into your daily routine, such as:

  • taking the stairs instead of using the lift,
  • getting off the bus one stop early,
  • parking your car a bit further away,
  • walking or cycling for short trips,
  • taking children to school on foot,
  • going for a walk with family or friends,
  • cleaning windows,
  • washing the car,
  • vacuum cleaning the house,
  • mopping the floor,
  • gardening (raking, collecting dead leaves, etc.)
  • dancing,
  • going for a bike ride,
  • swimming, etc.

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