Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes does have a genetic component and is more common in some ethnic groups.

Type 2 diabetes, previously known as adult-onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the more common type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the following conditions occur in the body:

Lack of sufficient insulin, where the beta cells in the pancreas produce some but not enough insulin in response to a meal.

Insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin but is not able to use it effectively. Insulin resistance often occurs in people who also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and who are overweight (defined as weighing more than 20 percent above normal body weight). Women with more fat around the waist, versus on the hips or thighs, have a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

These conditions lead to a rise in blood glucose and the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Over 90 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It occurs most commonly in people over the age of 40 but, in recent years, type 2 diabetes has been affecting people at a younger age. In certain ethnic groups, such as aboriginal people and those of African, Oriental and Hispanic origin, type 2 diabetes may occur in childhood or adolescence.

Risk Factors

While the cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown, we do know many of the factors that put women at risk of developing it, namely:

• family history of type 2 diabetes
• overweight
• over the age of 40
• Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian or African origin
• high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• sedentary lifestyle
• previous gestational diabetes (diabetes that developed during pregnancy)
• having delivered large babies (Over 9 lbs. or 4 kg)

There is a strong hereditary link in type 2 diabetes, that is to say that it "runs" in families. If one parent has type 2 diabetes, there is approximately an 11-14 percent chance of the offspring developing type 2 diabetes in later years. If both parents have type 2 diabetes, the risk rises to about 28 percent.

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