What should you know about type 2 diabetes and the pancreas?

The pancreas releases insulin after food is absorbed. Insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells for energy. In type 2 diabetes, body tissues may respond less effectively to insulin, and the pancreas may struggle to release enough insulin to meet demand. This can develop gradually, so a person may have high glucose without obvious symptoms.

Persistently high glucose can affect blood vessels and nerves over time. Care commonly includes checks for kidney changes, eye health, foot sensation and cardiovascular risk. Peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney disease and peripheral arterial disease are examples of complications clinicians may screen for.

Take prescribed medicines as directed and keep appointments for glucose checks. Ask how meals, activity, illness and medicines can change your readings. Do not stop diabetes treatment because you think the pancreas is resting; treatment decisions depend on your results and overall health.

Look at your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, colour changes or swelling, especially if sensation is reduced. A balanced eating pattern, regular movement and support with weight management can improve insulin sensitivity for some people. Your clinician can tailor advice if you have kidney disease or another condition.

Seek urgent help for severe drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact your diabetes team promptly for repeated very high or very low readings, new foot wounds, or signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth and fever. Sudden weakness, facial drooping or trouble speaking needs emergency care because it may indicate a stroke.

Ask whether your current glucose pattern suggests that your treatment needs adjusting, which tests check kidney and cardiovascular health, and how to recognise hypoglycaemia. You can also ask how illness should change your medicines and when your feet and eyes should be reviewed.