Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where your body struggles to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas makes. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body might not produce enough insulin, your cells might resist it, or you could have both issues. Without enough insulin, your blood sugar levels rise.
Insulin’s role is complex but crucial. Your body processes nutrients from your food into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. The pancreas then releases insulin, which uses glucose for energy or stores it for later. However, if you have type 2 diabetes, this system doesn’t work well. Your cells might resist insulin, or your pancreas might not release enough, leaving glucose in your bloodstream instead of being used for energy. Over time, high glucose levels can harm your organs and tissues.
It’s vital to treat type 2 diabetes to avoid complications like heart disease, kidney issues, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Though it’s quite common, type 2 diabetes can be managed effectively with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments. In fact, it comprises 95% of all diabetes cases.
Some people develop prediabetes, where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at diabetes levels. This condition affects one in three U.S. adults and can be reversed with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating healthy, and staying active.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can vary widely, and they might be so mild that you don’t notice them. In the U.S., about half of the people with type 2 diabetes are unaware they have it.
The main cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, but several other factors can increase your risk. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which you can’t prevent, type 2 diabetes risk factors can be managed.
Healthcare professionals can use several tests to check your blood sugar levels and either confirm or rule out type 2 diabetes. It’s important to get an official diagnosis from a healthcare provider rather than relying on over-the-counter blood testing kits. They might suggest a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, which requires fasting for at least eight hours. It’s best to do this test in the morning after fasting overnight. Blood drawn during the test is checked for glucose levels, and two readings of 126 mg/dL or higher indicate diabetes.
Another common test is the A1C, which measures average blood sugar over the last three months without needing to fast. It shows what percentage of your blood proteins are sugar-coated. Normal A1C levels are below 5.7%, while prediabetes levels range from 5.7% to 6.4%, and diabetes is 6.5% or higher.
A random plasma glucose (RPG) test, done without fasting, can also diagnose diabetes if glucose levels are 200 mg/dL or higher.
The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) checks for diabetes and prediabetes by measuring your blood sugar response to a sugary drink after fasting overnight. A result of 200 mg/dL or higher after two hours suggests diabetes.
While urine tests were once more common, blood tests are now the more accurate method for diagnosing diabetes. However, a healthcare provider might still opt for a urine test if blood samples are difficult to draw.
The goal of managing type 2 diabetes is to lower and stabilize your blood sugar to a healthy range. Treatment can depend on how severe your condition is and may involve oral medications, though insulin injections are more typical for type 1 diabetes. Lifestyle changes—like healthy eating and regular exercise—often help control blood sugar levels.
Research highlights that weight loss can prevent or help manage diabetes. Since numerous factors influence a person’s weight, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider for safe weight management.
Nearly 90 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, with 84% unaware that their blood sugar is high. However, it’s possible to prevent or slow its progression to type 2 diabetes by adopting a healthier lifestyle through actions like eating well, staying active, and managing stress.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program offers a Lifestyle Change Program, which pairs you with a health coach to guide you in adopting heart-healthy habits, increasing physical activity, and reducing stress. Some programs are free, while others might have a fee, which some insurance plans may cover.
People with type 2 diabetes face risks for other health issues affecting blood sugar and overall health. Conditions like these make early treatment essential for improving symptoms and life quality. It’s normal to feel sad or frustrated with a chronic disease, but you don’t have to face type 2 diabetes alone. Emotional support is available.
Managing health involves making smart choices and reaching out for support when needed. Ultimately, while type 2 diabetes requires significant lifestyle changes, those adjustments can lead to a more fulfilling life. Making informed dietary choices, often with professional guidance, can significantly impact how foods affect your blood sugar and how you feel overall.
Having a type 2 diabetes diagnosis means your body isn’t using insulin well, causing blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to severe complications if untreated. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan, including medications and lifestyle changes, are essential for managing the condition, even though it can’t be reversed.
