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Conditions

Bariatric surgery · Obesity and metabolism

Type 2 diabetes

Understand high blood glucose, monitoring and ways to reduce complications.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Type 2 diabetes occurs when insulin does not work well enough or is not produced in sufficient amounts, causing blood glucose to rise.

Possible symptoms

Tiredness, thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, unplanned weight loss, infections or slow-healing wounds may occur, although the condition can be silent.

Causes and associated factors

Family susceptibility, age, ethnicity, excess weight, low activity and some health conditions raise risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis uses blood glucose or glycated haemoglobin tests, sometimes repeated according to the situation.

Tests

Monitoring includes glucose, HbA1c, blood pressure, lipids, kidneys, eyes, feet and other checks based on risk.

Course of the condition

It is a long-term condition that can be well controlled; remission is possible for some people after substantial weight loss.

Care options

Food choices, activity, weight loss when appropriate, medicines and regular follow-up reduce risk; metabolic surgery may be discussed for selected patients.

When to consult

Seek assessment for symptoms, high risk or review of diabetes that is not adequately controlled.

Urgent help

Confusion, marked drowsiness, vomiting, breathing difficulty or dehydration with high glucose may signal a metabolic emergency.

Questions for your doctor

  • Which factors explain my situation?
  • Which tests and measurements should be monitored?
  • Which medical, nutritional or behavioural options can we try?
  • When would bariatric surgery be discussed?
  • Which signs require urgent assessment?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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