Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your body does not properly use insulin, resulting in chronic high blood sugar. It can be diagnosed with a blood glucose test or A1C test. If left untreated, it can cause serious complications like amputations. You can treat and manage Type 2 diabetes with medication, insulin injections, and healthy diet and exercise.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body doesn’t properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced in the pancreas. It helps your body use blood sugar it gets from food.

People with Type 2 diabetes may need to inject insulin shots into their bodies to turn blood sugar into energy. If your body doesn’t use sugar for energy, it will build up in your blood, resulting in high blood sugar, which can have negative impacts on your health.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

There is no one cause of Type 2 diabetes, but some contributing factors may include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Not getting enough exercise
• Taking certain medications
• Having insulin resistance
• Some hormonal conditions

Risk Factors

In addition to the factors above, other risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:

• Having a family history of Type 2 diabetes
• Being of African, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Island or Native American descent
• History of gestational diabetes
• Having low HDL (good cholesterol)
• Smoking

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes may include:

• Frequent urination
• Skin infections or wounds that don’t heal
• Frequent thirst
• Feeling very hungry even after eating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tingling in the hands and feet
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision

Many people have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes without knowing it because they may have no symptoms or their symptoms may be mild.

Diagnosis and Tests

If you experience any symptoms and are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, your primary care provider may perform a glucose test or an A1C test. These blood tests will help your provider make a diagnosis or rule out other possible conditions.

A1C Test

Also called the hemoglobin A1C test, this measures your average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months.

A result of 6.5% or higher means you have diabetes.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test

This test measures your blood sugar after you’ve fasted for eight hours. You’ll usually get this test done first thing in the morning before breakfast.

A result of 126 mg/dL or higher means you have diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

Your provider will measure your blood glucose level before and two hours after you drink a sugary beverage to see how well your body processes sugar.

A result of 200 mg/dL or higher means you have diabetes.

Random Glucose Test

Like the other glucose tests, this measures your blood sugar. This test can be performed at any time of the day.

A result of 200 mg/dL or higher means you have diabetes.

Treatment Options

Your treatment options will depend on the severity of your condition, but will often include a combination of lifestyle changes, medication and insulin therapy.

Lifestyle Changes

• Get more exercise – at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity a week
• Eat healthy and plan your meals to manage your blood sugar
• Lose excess visceral (belly) fat
• Keep up with all medical appointments

Medications

• Lower blood sugar
• Promote weight loss
• Decrease amount of glucose made in liver
• Improve insulin resistance
• Preserve and enhance insulin production by the pancreas

Insulin Therapy

• Use insulin injections to keep blood sugar within a healthy range

Complications and Prevention

Diabetes affects every system in your body. It’s important to manage it to prevent complications in your kidneys, limbs, heart, eyes and nerves.

Potential complications that may arise from unmanaged Type 2 diabetes include:

• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Amputation
• Blindness
• Kidney failure
• Gangrene

The good news is that diabetes complications are decreasing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can prevent complications from Type 2 diabetes by:

• Attending regularly scheduled visits with your health care providers
• Taking medications as prescribed
• Checking your feet for cuts or wounds every day
• Making healthy lifestyle choices and adjustments
• Having an annual eye exam to screen for early signs of diabetic retinopathy

Living With and Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Thanks to medical advances and a better understanding of Type 2 diabetes, you can live a long, healthy life if you manage it. The diabetes providers and educators at University Health can help.

Education at Texas Diabetes Institute

University Health Texas Diabetes Institute offers resources and educational classes to help you understand and live with diabetes. Our classes are led by certified diabetes educators and are recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

Fitness Center at Texas Diabetes Institute

Physical fitness is key to managing and even reversing Type 2 diabetes. Ask your primary care provider for a referral to our Fitness Center, where we can create a fitness plan just for you. Our facilities are free to use with a referral. We’ll work with you to reach your goals, no matter your current fitness level.

Daily Management Tips

Besides staying active, you can manage Type 2 diabetes by planning and cooking healthy meals at home and drinking plenty of water.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Understand how to monitor your blood sugar levels and give yourself insulin shots.