Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body isn't able to properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. People with type 2 diabetes either can't produce enough insulin, have cells that are resistant to the insulin they make, or have a combination of both. Your blood glucose (blood sugar) rises when your body lacks insulin.

How Your Body Uses Insulin

Your body converts the nutrients from food into glucose. Glucose enters your bloodstream, prompting your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin helps transport glucose into your cells to be used for energy or stored for later use.

If you have type 2 diabetes, this process doesn't work properly. Your cells may become resistant to insulin, or your pancreas may not produce enough of it. As a result, glucose remains in your bloodstream instead of being used for energy. Over time, high blood sugar can damage organs and tissues.

Getting treatment for type 2 diabetes is crucial. Without it, serious complications like heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss can occur. Type 2 diabetes is common but can be managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.

Types of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 95% of cases. Subtypes of type 2 diabetes include:

  • Mild age-related diabetes (MARD): This is the most common subtype, affecting about 39% of cases. It generally involves mild difficulty controlling blood sugar and few complications. Risk increases with age.
  • Mild obesity-related diabetes (MOD): Representing about 22% of cases, MOD usually affects people with obesity but without insulin resistance. It typically causes few complications.
  • Severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD): About 18% of cases fall under this subtype. These individuals are often young, have a healthy weight, and produce little insulin. They are at greater risk for complications like blindness and nerve damage.
  • Severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD): Accounting for roughly 15% of cases, SIRD often involves obesity and insulin resistance, with common complications affecting the kidneys and liver.

Some people may also have prediabetes, where blood sugar is elevated but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Lifestyle changes can reverse prediabetes.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

  • Blurry vision
  • Dry skin
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Feeling very hungry or thirsty
  • Frequent urination
  • Irritability
  • Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet
  • Slow-healing sores, cuts, or bruises
  • Unintentional weight loss

Symptoms may sometimes be so mild that they go unnoticed. About half of Americans with type 2 diabetes are unaware they have it.

Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. Risk factors include:

  • Age, especially over 45
  • Family history of diabetes
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Low HDL ("good") cholesterol
  • Physical inactivity
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Smoking
  • Obesity

How Type 2 Diabetes is Diagnosed

A healthcare provider can diagnose type 2 diabetes through several blood tests:

  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: Requires fasting for at least eight hours. A glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two tests confirms diabetes.
  • A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months. A result of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
  • Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) Test: Can be taken anytime; a result of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): After fasting, you drink a sugary solution, and your blood sugar is tested over two to three hours. A reading of 200 mg/dL or higher after two hours confirms diabetes.
  • Urine Test: Less commonly used but may still be performed if blood samples are difficult to obtain.

Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

Treatment focuses on maintaining blood sugar within a healthy range. Options include:

  • Medications: Oral medications are commonly used. Insulin injections may be prescribed if oral medications are not effective.
  • Lifestyle Changes:
    • Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.
    • Exercising regularly with activities like walking, cycling, or strength training.
    • Losing weight, if needed, under medical supervision.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes if not managed. Prevention strategies include:

  • Building a support system for accountability
  • Eating a low-fat, balanced diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Tracking health goals
  • Limiting tobacco and alcohol use

The National Diabetes Prevention Program offers support through health coaches to guide participants in adopting healthier lifestyles.

Related Conditions

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of other health problems, such as:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Gradual loss of kidney function.
  • Heart disease: A common complication in people with diabetes.
  • Hyperlipidemia: High blood fats, raising the risk of cardiovascular issues.
  • Hypertension: High blood pressure often accompanies diabetes.
  • Obesity: A major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Managing type 2 diabetes can impact both physical and emotional health. Early treatment can improve quality of life.

It's normal to feel sadness or frustration when living with a chronic condition. Coping strategies include:

  • Preparing healthy meals with loved ones
  • Engaging in hobbies and social activities
  • Finding an exercise buddy
  • Keeping regular appointments with healthcare providers
  • Practicing meditation or relaxation techniques
  • Seeking help from mental health professionals when needed

Healthy lifestyle changes can help you manage the condition and live a fulfilling life.

A Quick Review

People with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or are resistant to it, leading to high blood sugar levels. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition. While type 2 diabetes cannot be reversed, medication and healthy lifestyle changes can significantly improve blood sugar control.