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Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (lifelong) disease marked by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
See also:
See also:
Noninsulin-dependent diabetes; Diabetes - type 2; Adult-onset diabetes
Diabetes is caused by a problem in the way your body makes or uses insulin. Insulin is needed to move blood sugar (glucose) into cells, where it is stored and later used for energy.
When you have type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond correctly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance means that fat, liver, and muscle cells do not respond normally to insulin. As a result blood sugar does not get into cells to be stored for energy.
When sugar cannot enter cells, abnormally high levels of sugar build up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia. High levels of blood sugar often trigger the pancreas to produce more and more insulin, but it not enough to keep up with the body's demand.
People who are overweight are more likely to have insulin resistance, because fat interferes with the body's ability to use insulin.
Type 2 diabetes usually occurs gradually. Most people with the disease are overweight at the time of diagnosis. However, type 2 diabetes can also develop in those who are thin, especially the elderly.
Family history and genetics play a large role in type 2 diabetes. Low activity level, poor diet, and excess body weight (especially around the waist) significantly increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Other risk factors include:
When you have type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond correctly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance means that fat, liver, and muscle cells do not respond normally to insulin. As a result blood sugar does not get into cells to be stored for energy.
When sugar cannot enter cells, abnormally high levels of sugar build up in the blood. This is called hyperglycemia. High levels of blood sugar often trigger the pancreas to produce more and more insulin, but it not enough to keep up with the body's demand.
People who are overweight are more likely to have insulin resistance, because fat interferes with the body's ability to use insulin.
Type 2 diabetes usually occurs gradually. Most people with the disease are overweight at the time of diagnosis. However, type 2 diabetes can also develop in those who are thin, especially the elderly.
Family history and genetics play a large role in type 2 diabetes. Low activity level, poor diet, and excess body weight (especially around the waist) significantly increase your risk for type 2 diabetes.
Other risk factors include:
- Age greater than 45 years
- HDL cholesterol of less than 35 mg/dL or triglyceride level of greater than 250 mg/dL
- High blood pressure
- History of gestational diabetes
- Previously identified impaired glucose tolerance by your doctor
- Race/ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans all have high rates of diabetes)
Often, people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- Blurred vision
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Frequent or slow-healing infections
- Increased appetite
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with the following blood tests:
- Fasting blood glucose level -- diabetes is diagnosed if higher than 126 mg/dL on two occasions.
- Oral glucose tolerance test -- diabetes is diagnosed if glucose level is higher than 200 mg/dL after 2 hours.
- Random (non-fasting) blood glucose level -- diabetes is suspected if higher than 200 mg/dL and accompanied by the classic symptoms of increased thirst, urination, and fatigue (this test must be confirmed with a fasting blood glucose test).
- Check your blood pressure
- Check the skin and bones on your feet and legs
- Check the sensation on your feet
- Exam the back part of the eye with a special lighted instrument called an ophthalmoscope
- Have your blood pressure checked at least every year (blood pressure goals should be 130/80 mm/Hg or lower).
- Have your glycosulated hemoglobin (HbA1c) checked every 6 months if your diabetes is well controlled; otherwise every 3 months.
- Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked yearly (aim for LDL levels below 100 mg/dL).
- Get yearly tests to make sure your kidneys are working well (microalbuminuria and serum creatinine).
- Visit your ophthalmologist) at least once a year, or more often if you have signs of diabetic retinopathy.
- See the dentist every 6 months for a thorough dental cleaning and exam. Make sure your dentist and hygienist know that you have diabetes.
The immediate goal of treatment is to lower high blood glucose levels. The long-term goals of treatment are to prevent diabetes-related complications.
The primary treatment for type 2 diabetes is exercise and diet.
LEARN THESE SKILLS
You should learn basic diabetes management skills. They will help prevent complications and the need for medical care. These skills include:
SELF-TESTING
Self testing refers to being able to check your blood sugar at home yourself. It is also called self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Regular self-testing of your blood sugar tells you and your health care provider how well your diet, exercise, and diabetes medications are working.
A device called a glucometer can provide an exact blood sugar reading. There are different types of devices. Usually, you prick your finger with a small needle called a lancet. This gives you a tiny drop of blood. You place the blood on a test strip and put the strip into the device. Results are available in 30 - 45 seconds.
A health care provider or diabetes educator will help set up an at-home testing schedule for you. Your doctor will help you set your blood sugar goals.
Keeping a record for yourself and your health care provider. This will be a big help if you are having trouble managing your diabetes.
DIET AND WEIGHT CONTROL
People with type 2 diabetes should eat at about the same times each day and try to be consistent with the types of food they choose. This helps to prevent blood sugar from becoming extremely high or low. Meal planning includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount of food, and eating meals at the right time. You should work closely with your doctor, nurse, and registered dietitian to learn how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates you need in your diet. Your meal plans should fit your daily lifestyle and habits, and should try to include foods that you like.
Managing your weight and eating a well-balanced diet are important. Some people with type 2 diabetes can stop taking medications after losing weight (although they still have diabetes). See: Diabetes diet
Bariatric (weight loss) surgery may be considered for very overweight patients who are not well managed with diet and medications. See:
REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular exercise is important for everyone, but especially if you have diabetes. Regular aerobic exercise lowers your blood sugar level without medication and helps burn excess calories and fat so you can manage your weight.
Exercise can help your overall health by improving blood flow and blood pressure. It decreases insulin resistance even without weight loss. Exercise also increases the body's energy level, lowers tension, and improves your ability to handle stress.
Consider the following when starting an exercise routine:
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Type+2+diabetes
The primary treatment for type 2 diabetes is exercise and diet.
LEARN THESE SKILLS
You should learn basic diabetes management skills. They will help prevent complications and the need for medical care. These skills include:
- How to test and record your blood glucose (See: Blood glucose monitoring)
- What to eat and when
- How to take medications, if needed
- How to recognize and treat low and high blood sugar
- How to handle sick days
- Where to buy diabetes supplies and how to store them
SELF-TESTING
Self testing refers to being able to check your blood sugar at home yourself. It is also called self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Regular self-testing of your blood sugar tells you and your health care provider how well your diet, exercise, and diabetes medications are working.
A device called a glucometer can provide an exact blood sugar reading. There are different types of devices. Usually, you prick your finger with a small needle called a lancet. This gives you a tiny drop of blood. You place the blood on a test strip and put the strip into the device. Results are available in 30 - 45 seconds.
A health care provider or diabetes educator will help set up an at-home testing schedule for you. Your doctor will help you set your blood sugar goals.
- Most people with type 2 diabetes only need to check their blood sugar once or twice a day.
- If your blood sugar levels are under control, you may only need to check them a few times a week.
- Tests may be done when you wake up, before meals, and at bedtime.
- More frequent testing may be needed when you are sick or under stress.
Keeping a record for yourself and your health care provider. This will be a big help if you are having trouble managing your diabetes.
DIET AND WEIGHT CONTROL
People with type 2 diabetes should eat at about the same times each day and try to be consistent with the types of food they choose. This helps to prevent blood sugar from becoming extremely high or low. Meal planning includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount of food, and eating meals at the right time. You should work closely with your doctor, nurse, and registered dietitian to learn how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates you need in your diet. Your meal plans should fit your daily lifestyle and habits, and should try to include foods that you like.
Managing your weight and eating a well-balanced diet are important. Some people with type 2 diabetes can stop taking medications after losing weight (although they still have diabetes). See: Diabetes diet
Bariatric (weight loss) surgery may be considered for very overweight patients who are not well managed with diet and medications. See:
REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular exercise is important for everyone, but especially if you have diabetes. Regular aerobic exercise lowers your blood sugar level without medication and helps burn excess calories and fat so you can manage your weight.
Exercise can help your overall health by improving blood flow and blood pressure. It decreases insulin resistance even without weight loss. Exercise also increases the body's energy level, lowers tension, and improves your ability to handle stress.
Consider the following when starting an exercise routine:
- Always check with your health care provider before starting an exercise program.
- Ask your health care provider whether you have the right footwear.
- Choose an enjoyable physical activity that is appropriate for your current fitness level.
- Exercise every day, and at the same time of day, if possible.
- Monitor blood glucose levels at home before and after exercise.
- Carry food that contains a fast-acting carbohydrate in case blood glucose levels get too low during or after exercise.
- Wear a diabetes identification bracelet and carry a cell phone in case of emergency.
- Drink extra fluids that do not contain sugar before, during, and after exercise.
- You may need to modify your diet or medication if you exercise longer or more intensely, to keep blood glucose levels in the correct range.
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Type+2+diabetes
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