The short answer is… maybe.

We know that type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease. When we put on weight, our fat cells (the body’s main ‘fuel’ storage facility) reach a point where they become full, and are almost at bursting point. They basically shutdown their ability to store more fat, and become ‘distressed’ and resistant to the hormone insulin. This puts a strain on the pancreas to produce even more insulin, trying to force our fat cells to work. Eventually, the pancreas wears out, and is unable to produce adequate insulin to control blood glucose levels, causing blood glucose levels to rise. Sooner or later, this ultimately leads to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Because diabetes is a progressive disease it’s important to think about it on a continuum of 30 years or so.

1. The first 10 years – Pre-diagnosis
   You might be in your 40s or 50s and put on a little weight around the tummy. This extra fat starts to fill fat cells. Putting pressure on the pancreas to produce adequate insulin, in order to deal with the increased demands for sugar to be stored as fat. This increase in demand for insulin is known as insulin resistance, or prediabetes. Your GP can test for pre-diabetes by measuring your insulin and blood glucose levels using an oral glucose tolerance test. So if you think you might be at risk, it’s worth asking for.


2. The next 10 years
   Usually, the point of diagnosis, where insulin production can no longer match blood glucose levels, and blood glucose levels start to rise. Blood glucose levels are easily detected via a blood test that can be ordered by your doctor. You may need to take medications, or change your lifestyle to increase exercise and reduce your meal portions.


3. The last 10-20 years
   As diabetes progresses more medications or insulin may be required to help manage blood sugar levels. This is important in order to reduce risk of complication such as stroke and heart attack.