Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where your body struggles to use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which helps transport glucose (sugar) from your blood into your cells for energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin, becomes resistant to it, or both—causing glucose to remain in the bloodstream.

Normally, the body converts food into glucose, and insulin helps move this glucose into cells for energy or storage. In type 2 diabetes, this process is disrupted, and high blood sugar levels over time can damage organs and tissues.

Treatment is crucial to manage the condition and prevent complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve problems, and vision loss. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, type 2 diabetes is manageable.

Types of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, making up about 95% of all cases. It includes the following subtypes:

  • Mild Age-Related Diabetes (MARD): The most common subtype, often seen in older adults. Blood sugar control is mildly affected, and complications are few.

  • Mild Obesity-Related Diabetes (MOD): Linked to obesity. Despite high body weight, insulin resistance is low, and complications are rare.

  • Severe Insulin-Deficient Diabetes (SIDD): Affects younger individuals with a healthy weight. It involves low insulin production and may cause nerve damage and vision problems.

  • Severe Insulin-Resistant Diabetes (SIRD): Involves insulin resistance and is associated with obesity. Kidney and liver complications are common.

Some individuals may have prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. With lifestyle changes, prediabetes can often be reversed.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Common symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision

  • Dry skin

  • Tiredness or fatigue

  • Frequent hunger or thirst

  • Frequent urination

  • Irritability

  • Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet

  • Slow-healing sores

  • Unintentional weight loss

Symptoms can be mild or go unnoticed. Many people are unaware they have type 2 diabetes until it’s diagnosed during a routine check-up.

What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?

The primary cause is insulin resistance, but other risk factors also contribute:

  • Age: More common after age 45

  • Family history: Having relatives with type 2 diabetes increases your risk

  • Gestational diabetes: Increases the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later

  • High blood pressure: Some treatments can raise diabetes risk

  • Low HDL cholesterol: May increase risk

  • Physical inactivity: Lack of movement can raise blood sugar

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Common in women with insulin resistance

  • Smoking: Increases the likelihood of developing diabetes

  • Obesity: A major contributing factor to insulin resistance

How Is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through several blood sugar tests:

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test

Requires fasting for at least 8 hours. A blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher in two separate tests confirms diabetes.

A1C Test

Measures your average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

  • Below 5.7%: Normal

  • 5.7% to 6.4%: Prediabetes

  • 6.5% or higher: Diabetes

Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) Test

No fasting needed. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher may indicate diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Involves fasting, then drinking a sugary liquid. Blood sugar is tested over a few hours. A level of 200 mg/dL or more after two hours indicates diabetes.

Urine Test

Not commonly used for diagnosis today, but may be used if blood tests are not feasible. It can detect glucose and ketones in urine.

Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

The goal is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Treatment depends on individual needs and may include:

  • Oral medications: Often the first step in blood sugar management.

  • Insulin injections: May be necessary if oral medications are not effective.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Eat a balanced diet: Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Use methods like the Diabetes Plate Method for portion control.

  • Exercise regularly: Activities like walking, cycling, or weight training help regulate blood sugar.

  • Lose weight if needed: Even a small reduction in weight can improve blood sugar levels. Always seek professional guidance for safe weight management.

How To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle changes. Ways to lower your risk include:

  • Building a support system for accountability

  • Following a diet rich in whole foods and low in unhealthy fats

  • Exercising consistently

  • Tracking progress and setting health goals

  • Limiting smoking and alcohol consumption

Programs like the National Diabetes Prevention Program offer coaching and support to help reduce your risk.

Related Conditions

People with type 2 diabetes often face other health conditions:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Gradual loss of kidney function; affects about 1 in 4 people with type 2 diabetes.

  • Heart Disease: Affects about one-third of people with type 2 diabetes.

  • Hyperlipidemia: High blood fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides, common in diabetes.

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Found in over 80% of people with type 2 diabetes.

  • Obesity: About 78% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.

Managing your blood sugar helps reduce the risk of these complications.

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Living with diabetes can affect your body and emotions. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Some ways to manage include:

  • Cooking and eating healthy meals with loved ones

  • Staying socially engaged

  • Exercising with a friend

  • Keeping regular appointments with your healthcare team

  • Practicing mindfulness, music therapy, or deep breathing

  • Talking to a mental health provider if needed

With the right support and habits, people with type 2 diabetes can live full, active lives.

A Quick Review

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar. While the condition can’t be reversed, it is manageable. Early diagnosis, medical treatment, and lifestyle changes can help control blood sugar and prevent complications.