Type 2 diabetes accounts for between 85-95% of people with diabetes. It is generally related to age and lifestyle and it occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produced isn’t used effectively by the body (insulin resistance).

If you are slim, it is likely your body is not producing enough insulin to convert the carbohydrate you eat into energy. If you are overweight, it is more likely that insulin resistance is reponsible.

Type 2 can be prevented, or at least it’s onset delayed. It is more likely to affect older people and used to be referred to as ‘mature onset diabetes’  as it tended to be diagnosed in people over the age of 40. However it is being found increasingly in younger people, especially if they are overweight and lacking in physical activity. It is strongly linked to obesity and tends to run in families. It is more prevalent in South Asians and Afro-Caribbeans.

The treatment of Type 2 is always healthy eating and regular physical activity. However, it is a progressive condition and in time tablets and/or other forms of medication are likely to become necessary. This may also progress to the use of insulin injections.

Diabetes is never mild, but it can be managed.