Type 2 diabetes

Question 1

What is type 2 diabetes?

Answer 1

It is a common condition that causes the level of glucose in the blood to become too high. It is a life long condition caused by problems with a hormone in the body called insulin.

Question 2

What are the physical impacts of diabetes?

Answer 2

*feeling fatigued
* increased risk of CHD
*increased risk of stroke or heart attack
*contributes to high blood pressure
* may develop diabetic retinopathy/blurred vision, dark or empty areas in vision, sight loss
*May develop diabetic nephropathy/kidney damage
* May develop neuropathy/nerve damage/prickling, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet/pain/foot problems
* Affects digestion causing nausea, constipation or diarrhoea
*Increased risk of tooth decay and gum infections

Question 3

What are the social impacts of diabetes?

Answer 3

• impact social relationships as may not want to socialise or drink alcohol as unaware of impact on health
• a diagnosis can also negatively impact quality of life and social contact, which can have an adverse effect on mental health
• depression if more prevalent among people living with type 2 diabetes, compared with those who are not

Question 4

What are the psychological impacts of diabetes?

Answer 4

• may feel ashamed, embarrassed, guilty and isolated causing negative emotional, social, self care and health consequences
• contribute to depression and anxiety

*create poor attitudes towards self care of the condition which may increase the risk of diabetes related complications