Living with
type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that occurs when you have constant high blood glucose (sugar).1 This happens because your body can no longer use insulin properly.1 Around 90 % of all diabetes worldwide is type 2 diabetes, which is a largely preventable and manageable condition.1,2 You can manage type 2 diabetes with healthy lifestyle changes, medications and regular check-ins with your healthcare team.1
The impact of lifestyle choices on type 2 diabetes
Poor lifestyle choices can put people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.1,2
Lack of education: A study of South Africans revealed that3 …
had poor knowledge of exercise and weight loss benefits
had poor knowledge of a healthy diet in diabetes
Lack of physical activity: Sedentary behaviours, like inactivity and sitting still for long periods, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.4
Smoking: Current smokers have a 30 % to 40 % higher risk of developing diabetes than non-smokers.4,7 Smoking also increases the risk of abdominal fat, which is a risk factor for diabetes.7
Overweight and obesity: Nearly 1/4 of adults with diabetes have poor glycaemic control and nearly 1/2
of adult diabetics are considered obese.6
Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy drinkers have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than light or moderate drinkers.8
Poor diet: Research shows that these dietary habits contribute to the risk of type 2 diabetes:4
• High intake of red and processed meats
• High intake of refined grains
• High intake of sugar-sweetened drinks
• Low intake of whole grains
• Low intake of fruits and vegetables
Changes to daily habits and living patterns to improve overall health and diabetes management, specifically of blood glucose (sugar).
These would be prescribed and managed by a doctor.
These would be prescribed and managed by a doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
