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Type 2 Diabetes

Condition Basics

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which you have too much sugar (glucose) in your blood. Glucose is a type of sugar produced in your body when carbohydrates and other foods are digested. It provides energy to cells throughout the body.

Normally, blood sugar levels increase after you eat a meal. When blood sugar rises, cells in the pancreas, Opens dialog release insulin, Opens dialog, which causes the body to absorb sugar from the blood and lowers the blood sugar level to normal.

When you have type 2 diabetes, sugar stays in the blood rather than entering the body's cells to be used for energy. This results in high blood sugar. It happens when your body can't use insulin the right way.

Over time, high blood sugar can harm many parts of the body, Opens dialog, such as your eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. It can also increase your risk for other health problems (complications).

What causes it?

When your blood sugar stays too high for too long, it causes type 2 diabetes. It happens when your body can't use insulin, Opens dialog the right way. Over time, your body cannot make enough insulin.

What are the symptoms?

You may have symptoms of high blood sugar like feeling very thirsty or very hungry. You may also urinate more often than usual, have blurry vision, or lose weight without trying. You're not likely to get symptoms of low blood sugar unless you take insulin or use certain diabetes medicines that lower blood sugar.

How is it diagnosed?

If your doctor thinks that you have type 2 diabetes, he or she will order blood tests that measure the amount of sugar in your blood. Blood glucose tests and other tests are used. Your doctor will also ask you questions about your medical history and do a physical exam.

How is type 2 diabetes treated?

Treatment for type 2 diabetes will change over time. But the focus will be to keep blood sugar levels in your target range. You'll have to make some healthy changes to your daily habits. For example, you may have to watch what you eat, take medicine every day, and watch for other health problems.

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Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

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