Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It develops when the body does not use insulin effectively or cannot make enough insulin to keep blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition, but it can be managed. Healthy habits, medication and regular medical care can help control blood sugar and lower the risk of complications.
At Banner Health, we can help you understand what may increase your risk, recognize possible symptoms and learn how type 2 diabetes is diagnosed and treated.
Glucose, also called blood sugar, is an important source of energy. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.
With type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond to insulin as well as it should. This is called insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas may also stop making enough insulin to meet the body’s needs.
As a result, glucose builds up in the blood. Blood sugar that stays too high can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs over time.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes both affect blood sugar, but they develop differently.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the cells that make insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin every day.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin and may gradually stop making enough of it. Treatment may include healthy lifestyle changes, medication, insulin or a combination of approaches.
Type 2 diabetes develops because of a combination of genetics, insulin resistance and other health and environmental factors. It is not caused by one food, habit or personal choice.
Some people have a higher risk because of family history, age, certain health conditions or other factors. Understanding your risk can help you know when to talk with your provider about screening.
Learn more about type 2 diabetes causes and risk factors.
Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly. Some people have mild symptoms or no noticeable symptoms for years.
Possible warning signs may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurry vision, slow-healing sores or numbness and tingling in the hands or feet.
Because symptoms can be easy to miss, blood testing is the only way to know whether you have diabetes.
Learn more about type 2 diabetes symptoms.
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that measure your blood sugar. Your provider may use an A1C test, fasting blood glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test or random blood glucose test.
Treatment is personalized and may include:
Your treatment plan may change over time based on your blood sugar, overall health and personal needs.
Learn more about type 2 diabetes diagnosis and treatment.
There is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes. However, many people are able to manage their blood sugar and live active, healthy lives.
Some people achieve remission, which means blood sugar stays below the diabetes range for a period of time without diabetes medication. Remission does not mean diabetes is permanently gone, so continued testing and medical care are still important.
Managing type 2 diabetes can help lower the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems and other complications.
Your care team can help you understand your blood sugar goals, choose treatments and make changes as your needs evolve.
Explore:
Sign in to Patient Account
