What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how your body handles sugar in the blood. Normally, insulin helps move sugar into your cells for energy. With this condition, your body either doesn’t use insulin well or doesn’t make enough of it. As a result, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. Over time, this can affect many parts of your body if not properly managed.

What can lead to type 2 diabetes:

• Being overweight or inactive
• Family history of diabetes
• Getting older
• History of diabetes during pregnancy
• Certain health conditions or medications
• Smoking or unhealthy cholesterol levels

Many people develop type 2 diabetes after a stage called prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range.

Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly, and some people may not notice symptoms at first.

Common symptoms include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Urinating more often than usual
• Feeling tired or low on energy
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or infections that heal slowly
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Dry or itchy skin

How is it diagnosed?

Healthcare providers use simple blood tests to check your blood sugar levels. These tests may measure your average levels over time or how your body responds to sugar.

Common tests include:

• A1C test (average blood sugar over a few months)
• Fasting blood sugar test
• Glucose tolerance test
• Random blood sugar test

If results are elevated, your provider may repeat testing to confirm the diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Treatment focuses on keeping blood sugar within a healthy range and preventing complications.

Most people start with lifestyle changes, including:

• Eating balanced, portion-controlled meals
• Getting regular physical activity
• Losing a small amount of weight, if needed

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your provider may recommend:

• Oral medications or non-insulin injections
• Insulin therapy

Ongoing care is an important part of treatment. This includes regular checkups, blood tests, and monitoring your feet and overall health.

With consistent care, many people successfully manage their condition and stay healthy.