Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. While it cannot be cured, many people are able to manage the condition and live active, healthy lives with the right care and support.
At Banner Health, we’re here to help you understand type 2 diabetes and take steps to protect your health. This section explores what type 2 diabetes is, how it develops, common symptoms and how it can be diagnosed, treated and managed over time.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses glucose, also called blood sugar, which is an important source of energy.
After you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells so it can be used for energy.
With type 2 diabetes, the body either:
As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of entering the cells, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is common in the United States and worldwide. About 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes, and more than 90% of those cases are type 2 diabetes.
While type 2 diabetes is more common in adults over age 45, it can affect people of any age. Children, teens and adults at a normal weight can also develop type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different causes, but both require ongoing care.
There are also other forms of diabetes. No matter the type, treatment and long-term support are important for protecting your health.
Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly, and some people do not notice symptoms right away. Early symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other health issues.
Learning to recognize possible warning signs can help lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more about the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes develops due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Some risk factors can be managed, while others cannot be changed.
Understanding what increases risk can help guide screening and early care.
Learn more about risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Early diagnosis is important for protecting long-term health. If you think you may have type 2 diabetes, your health care provider can order blood tests to check your blood sugar levels.
Treatment plans are personalized and may include lifestyle changes, blood sugar monitoring, medication and regular medical follow-up.
Learn more about type 2 diabetes testing and treatment.
There is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes. However, many people are able to manage their blood sugar levels through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
With proper treatment, it’s possible to reduce the risk of complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and vision problems.
Some people are able to achieve remission, meaning blood sugar levels stay below the diabetes range for at least three months without diabetes medication. Remission requires ongoing monitoring and long-term lifestyle changes.
Managing type 2 diabetes is a team effort. Banner Health providers and specialists work together to help you understand your condition, create a care plan and adjust treatment as your needs change.
Talk with your provider or connect with a Banner Health diabetes specialist for personalized support. You can also explore our diabetes support and resources for additional education and tools.
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