Description

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot use the insulin properly, and the sugar builds up in the blood. That was once called adult-onset diabetes.

Over time, high levels of blood sugar in type 2 diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. This can happen either because the pancreas does not produce enough of a hormone called insulin, which helps sugar enter the cells. This also occurs because cells do not respond to insulin by taking in less sugar.

In the type 1 and type 2 diabetes can begin during childhood and adulthood. Type 2 is more common in older adults. But the increase in the number of children with obesity has led to more young people with type 2 diabetes.

There is No cure for type 2 diabetes. Losing weight, eating well and exercising can help you manage your condition. If diet and exercise are not enough to control your blood sugar, diabetes medications or insulin therapy may help.

Symptoms

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes often come on slowly. In fact, people can live with type 2 diabetes for years and not know it. When there are symptoms, they may include:

  • More thirst.
  • Most of urination.
  • More and more hungry.
  • The loss of weight.
  • Fatigue.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Slow healing of wounds.
  • Frequent infections.
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
  • The dark areas of the skin, usually in the armpits and the neck.

When to see a doctor

Consult your health care professional if you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.

Causes

Type 2 diabetes is primarily the result of two issues:

  • The cells in the muscle, fat, and liver don't respond to insulin as they should. As a result, the cells do not take in a sufficient amount of sugar.
  • The gland that produces insulin, called the pancreas, can't do enough to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

The overweight and not moving enough are the key factors.

How insulin works

Insulin is a hormone that comes from a gland situated behind and below the stomach. The gland called the pancreas. Insulin manages the way the body uses the sugar of the following ways:

  • Of sugar in the bloodstream causes the pancreas to release insulin.
  • The insulin in the bloodstream puts sugar into the cells.
  • The amount of sugar in the blood decreases.
  • Then, the pancreas releases less insulin.

The role of glucose

A sugar called glucose is a main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues.

  • Glucose comes from two major sources. Are the food and the liver.
  • The glucose enters the bloodstream. There it enters cells with the help of insulin.
  • The liver stores glucose in the form of glycogen and also makes glucose.
  • When glucose levels are low, the liver breaks down stored glycogen into glucose. This keeps the body at the level of glucose within a healthy range.

In type 2 diabetes, this process doesn't work well. Instead of entering the cells, sugar builds up in the blood. As the blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases more insulin. Over time, the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are damaged. Then, the cells can't produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes are:

  • The excess of weight. Overweight or obesity is a main risk.
  • The size of the waist. The storage of fat primarily in the belly instead of on the hips and thighs increases the risk. The risk of type 2 diabetes is greater in persons assigned male at birth, whose waist measures more than 40 inches (101.6 cm). For the people who are assigned female at birth, a waist measurement of more than 35 inches (88.9 cm) increases the risk.
  • Sat. The less active a person is, the greater the risk. Physical activity helps control weight, uses up glucose as energy and helps the cells to insulin.
  • The history of the family. Having a father or brother who has type 2 diabetes increases the risk.
  • Race and ethnicity. It is not clear why, but people of certain races and ethnic groups are more prone to getting type 2 diabetes than white people are. Races and ethnic groups include Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asians and Pacific islands people.
  • Levels of lipids in the blood. A greater risk is associated with low levels of high-density lipoproteins. Also called HDL cholesterol, this is the "good" cholesterol. Increased risk is also associated with high levels of a type of fat in the blood called triglycerides.
  • Age. The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially after 35 years of age.
  • Prediabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which the blood sugar is higher than the standard range, but not high enough to be called type 2 diabetes. If untreated, prediabetes often moves to become type 2 diabetes.
  • Pregnancy-related risks. The risk of getting type 2 diabetes is higher in people who have had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant. And is greater in those who gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds (4 kilograms).
  • The polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition causes irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity. Increases the risk of diabetes.

Complications

Type 2 diabetes affects many major organs. These include the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Also, factors that increase the risk of diabetes are risk factors for other serious diseases. The management of diabetes and blood sugar can reduce the risk of these complications and other medical conditions, including:

  • Heart and blood vessels. Diabetes is linked with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and narrowing of the blood vessels, called atherosclerosis.
  • Nerve damage in the arms and legs. This condition is known as neuropathy. High blood sugar over time, can damage or destroy the nerves. The neuropathy can cause tingling, numbness, burning, pain, or loss of sensitivity. Most often starts in the tips of the toes or fingers and spreads slowly up.
  • Other damage to the nerves. Damage to the nerves of the heart can cause an irregular heart rhythm. Damage to the nerves in the digestive system can cause problems with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Damage to nerves can also cause erectile dysfunction.
  • Kidney disease. Diabetes can lead to long-term kidney disease or end-stage renal disease that can not be reversed. In the final stage of kidney disease may need to be treated with the mechanical filtration of the kidneys, called dialysis or a kidney transplant.
  • Damage to the eyes. Diabetes increases the risk of serious diseases of the eyes. The conditions include cataracts and glaucoma. Diabetes can also damage the blood vessels of the retina, which is the part of the eye that detects light. This is called diabetic retinopathy. This damage can lead to blindness.
  • Conditions of the skin. Diabetes can increase the risk of some skin problems. Skin problems can include bacterial and fungal infections.
  • Slow healing. Cuts and blisters that are not treated can become serious infections. The infection may heal poorly. Bad damage may result in the need to use surgery to remove a toe, foot or leg. This surgery is called amputation.
  • Impairment of hearing. Hearing problems are more common in people with diabetes.
  • Sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is common in people who have type 2 diabetes. Obesity may be the main cause of both conditions.
  • Dementia. Type 2 diabetes seems to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other diseases that cause dementia. Poorly managed blood sugar is linked to a faster loss of memory and other thinking skills.

Prevention

Healthy life style can help to prevent type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, lifestyle changes can delay the condition or prevent it from becoming diabetes.

A healthy lifestyle includes the following:

  • Eat healthy foods. Choose foods that are low in fat and calories and high in fiber. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
  • Be active. Goal of 150 minutes or more per week of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, biking, running, or swimming.
  • To lose weight. If you are overweight, losing weight and keeping it off can delay prediabetes from becoming type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, losing 7% to 10% of your body weight may lower your risk of diabetes.
  • Do not sit for a long time. Sitting for long periods of time can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Get up every 30 minutes and move around for at least a couple of minutes.

People with prediabetes can take metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza, others), a drug for diabetes, to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. This is most often prescribed to older adults who are obese and can't lower blood sugar levels with lifestyle changes.

Diagnosis

Analysis of the glycosylated hemoglobin increased frequency of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. It is also called the A1C test, which reflects the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. The results mean the following:

  • Below 5.7% is healthy.
  • 5.7% to 6.4% is prediabetes.
  • 6.5% or higher on two separate tests means diabetes.

If there is no evidence of A1C, or if you have certain conditions that get in the way of the results of the A1C test, your health care professional may use the following tests to diagnose diabetes:

Random blood sugar. Blood sugar values displayed in milligrams of sugar per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles of sugar per liter (mmol/L) of blood. No matter when you last ate. A level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher suggests diabetes. This is more likely if you also have symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination and extreme thirst.

The fasting blood sugar test. To give a blood sample for the test after not eating during the night. The results are as follows:

  • Less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is healthy.
  • Of 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is prediabetes.
  • 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two tests, it is diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test. This, mainly, testing of blood sugar in people who are pregnant and those who have cystic fibrosis. Not eating for a certain amount of time. Then you drink a sugary liquid in your care team of the office. Give blood samples of more than two hours to test the sugar levels in the blood. The results are as follows:

  • Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after two hours it is healthy.
  • 140 to 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) is prediabetes.
  • 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher after two hours suggests diabetes.

Detection. The American Diabetes Association suggests that all adults 35 years of age or older have routine tests for type 2 diabetes. Other people that are analyzed are:

  • Persons under the age of 35 years who are overweight or obese and have one or more risk factors linked to diabetes.
  • Women who had diabetes during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes.
  • People who have been diagnosed with prediabetes.
  • Children who are overweight or obese and who have a family history of type 2 diabetes and other risk factors.

After a diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your healthcare provider may do other tests to see if you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The treatment depends on the disease being treated.

Your healthcare team tests the levels of A1C at least twice a year and when their treatment changes. Target A1C goals are dependent on age and other factors. For most people, the American Diabetes Association suggests an A1C level below 7%.

You also have other tests to detect complications of diabetes and other medical conditions.

Treatment

Living with type 2 diabetes is to learn about the condition and life-style changes. Diabetes education is an important part of the management of the condition. Management includes:

  • Healthy eating.
  • The Regular exercise.
  • Weight loss if necessary.
  • Diabetes medication or insulin therapy, if necessary.
  • Keeping track of blood sugar.

These steps make it more likely that your blood sugar stays in a healthy range. And may help slow or prevent the complications.

Healthy eating

There is not a diabetes diet. But it is good to focus your eating on:

  • A regular schedule for meals and healthy snacks.
  • Smaller quantities of food.
  • More fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Less refined grains, starchy vegetables, and sweets.
  • Modest servings of low-fat dairy, low-fat, and meats and fish.
  • Healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or canola oil.
  • Less calories.

You can see a registered dietitian, who can help you to:

  • Make healthy food choices.
  • A healthy meal Plan.
  • Make new habits and learn what stops you from changing habits.
  • Watch the intake of carbohydrates to keep your blood sugar levels more stable.

Physical activity

Exercise is important to lose weight or stay at a healthy weight. It also helps to control sugar in the blood. Talk with your health care team before starting or changing your exercise program to make sure that the activities are safe for you.

  • The aerobic activity. Choose activities that you enjoy. Try walking, swimming, cycling or running. Aim to get about 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic exercise on most days of the week, or at least 150 minutes a week.
  • The strength training. Strength training increases strength, balance and ability to perform activities of daily life. Strength training can be done using free weights, resistance tubes, weight machines, or body weight for resistance. The goal of strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week.
  • Move more. Breakage of long periods of inactivity, such as sitting at the computer, you can help control the levels of sugar in the blood. Take a few minutes to stand, walk or do some light activity every 30 minutes.

Weight loss

Losing weight can help to manage the blood sugar levels, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. If you are overweight, you can see these factors improve after losing as little as 5% of your body weight. The more weight you lose, it's better for your health.

Your health care professional or dietician can help you establish good weight-loss goals and make lifestyle changes to help you reach them.

The follow-up of sugar in the blood

Your health care team will tell you how often to check your blood sugar level. This is to make sure that your blood sugar is maintained in the target range. You can, for example, to check once a day, and before or after exercise. If you take insulin, you may need to check your blood sugar several times a day.

You can use a small, home of a device called a blood glucose meter. This measures the amount of sugar in a drop of blood. Keep a record to share with your health care team.

Continuous glucose monitoring is an electronic system that records your blood sugar levels every few minutes from a sensor placed under the skin. The sensor is most of the times in the arm. The system can send the results to a mobile device like a phone. And the system can alert you when the levels are too high or too low.

Medicines for Diabetes

If you can't stay in your target blood sugar level with diet and exercise, your health care team may prescribe medications for diabetes that help to lower glucose levels. Or you may start the therapy with insulin. Medications for type 2 diabetes include the following.

Metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza, others) is most often the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Working mainly in two ways. Reduces the amount of glucose in the liver does. And it helps the body use insulin better.

Some people who take metformin, you can get B-12 deficiency and may need to take supplements. There are other side effects which may get better with time. Side effects may include:

  • Nausea.
  • Belly pain.
  • The abdominal distension.
  • The diarrhea.

Sulfonylureas help the body produce more insulin. These include glipizide (Glucotrol XL) and glimepiride (Amaryl). Side effects may include:

  • Low blood sugar.
  • The increase of weight.

Another sulfonylurea is glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase). You have an increased risk of low levels of sugar in the blood.

Glinides help the pancreas to produce more insulin. Work faster than the sulfonylureas. But their effect lasts for a long time. They include repaglinide and nateglinide. Side effects may include:

  • Low blood sugar.
  • The increase of weight.

Thiazolidinediones help the tissues of the body more insulin. These include pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone. Side effects may include:

  • The increase of weight.
  • Broken bones.
  • The retention of fluids.
  • Heart failure.

DPP-4 inhibitors help to lower the levels of sugar in the blood. But they tend to have only a small effect. The medications include alogliptin (Nesina), sitagliptin (Januvia), saxagliptin, and linagliptin (Tradjenta). Side effects may include:

  • The Pancreatitis.
  • Pain in the joints.

GLP-1 Receptor agonists are the medications you take by take, called the injection. They slow digestion and help lower blood sugar levels. Its use is often linked with weight loss. Some decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke.

These medications include dulaglutide (Trulicity) exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon Bcise), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) and semaglutide (Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy). Side effects may include:

  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • The diarrhea.

SGLT2 inhibitors affect the way in which the kidneys filter the blood. They block the return of the glucose in the bloodstream. The excess glucose then passes out of the body in the urine. These medications may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with a high risk of these conditions.

These medications include canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and empagliflozin (Jardiance). Side effects may include:

  • Vaginal yeast infections.
  • Infections of the urinary tract.
  • The low blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol.
  • The gangrene.
  • Broken bones.
  • The risk of amputation.

Other medicines that your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Low-dose aspirin can help prevent heart and blood vessel conditions.

Insulin therapy

Some people who have type 2 diabetes need insulin therapy. In the past, people tried to insulin therapy only after other treatments had failed. But today, it can be prescribed before if life-style changes, and other medicines do not manage blood sugar levels.

Types of insulin vary by the speed with which work and how long they last. The long-acting insulin, for example, working during the night or during the day to keep blood sugar levels even. People more often than short-acting insulin at mealtime.

Your health care professional who prescribed the type of insulin that is right for you and advises you when to take it. Your type of insulin, the dose and the schedule may change. That depends on how stable your blood sugar levels are. People take most types of insulin as an injection.

A side effect of the insulin is low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia.

Weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery changes the shape of the digestive system and how it works. This surgery can help you lose weight and to control type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related conditions.

There are some surgical procedures. They all help people lose weight by limiting the amount of food they can eat. Some of the procedures also limit the amount of nutrients that the body can absorb.

Weight loss surgery is just one part of an overall treatment plan. The treatment also includes diet, and nutritional supplements, exercise, and mental health care.

Weight loss surgery may be an option for adults living with type 2 diabetes who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more. BMI is a formula that uses weight and height to calculate the body fat. The surgery may also be an option for someone with a BMI lower than 35. This depends on the severity of the diabetes or if there are other medical conditions.

If you have weight-loss surgery, you need to make life style changes for life. Long-term side effects may include not take in enough nutrients, and bone-loss condition, osteoporosis.

Pregnancy

The people who have type 2 diabetes often have to change their plan of treatment during pregnancy and to follow a diet that controls the carbs. Many people require treatment with insulin during pregnancy. You may also need to stop other treatments, such as certain blood pressure medications.

You have a higher risk during pregnancy of getting a condition that affects the eyes, called diabetic retinopathy. This condition can become worse during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, visit a specialist in care of the eye, called an eye doctor. Go to each trimester of your pregnancy, and a year after giving birth. Or go as often as your health care team advisor.

Signs of problems

You need to track your blood sugar levels to prevent serious complications. Also, we know of symptoms that can indicate that your blood sugar levels need immediate attention. They include:

High sugar in the blood. This condition is also known as hyperglycemia. Eating certain foods or too much food, being sick, or not taking medication for diabetes at the right time can cause high blood sugar. The symptoms include:

  • Urinate frequently.
  • Extreme thirst.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Fatigue.
  • The pain of a headache.

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome. Also called HHNS, this life-threatening condition, includes a blood sugar reading is higher than 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L). HHNS may be more likely if you have an infection, do not take their medications as prescribed, or taking certain steroids or other medications that cause you to urinate frequently. The symptoms include:

  • Dry mouth.
  • Extreme thirst.
  • The drowsiness.
  • Confusion.
  • Dark-colored urine.
  • Seizures.

Diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the lack of insulin results in the body to break down fat as fuel instead of sugar. This causes a build-up of acids called ketones in the blood.

Precipitating factors of diabetic ketoacidosis include certain diseases, pregnancy, and medications. Diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, especially when used in people living with type 1 diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis causes the acids that are toxic. So that the disease can be deadly. In addition to the symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as urinating often and more thirst, ketoacidosis can cause:

  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Belly pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Fruity odor on the breath.

Low blood sugar. Low blood sugar when blood sugar levels fall below the target range. This condition is called hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar level can drop for many reasons. These include the lack of a meal, take more medicine than usual or be more physically active than usual. The symptoms include:

  • Sweating.
  • The tremors.
  • The weakness.
  • The hunger.
  • Irritability.
  • The dizziness.
  • The pain of a headache.
  • Blurred vision.
  • The palpitations of the heart.
  • Difficulty in speech.
  • The drowsiness.
  • Confusion.

If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something that raises your blood sugar level quickly. Try fruit juice, sugar-sweetened soft drinks, glucose tablets, hard candy or other source of sugar. Repeat the blood test in 15 minutes.

If the levels are not at your destination, you eat or drink from any other source of sugar. To eat a meal, after which your blood sugar level returns to normal.

If you pass out, someone has to give an injection of glucagon. This hormone causes the release of sugar in the blood.

Lifestyle and home remedies

The management of care of type 2 diabetes can reduce the risk of serious, or even life-threatening complications. Try these tips:

  • Undertake to control your diabetes. Learn all you can about type 2 diabetes. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of your daily routine.
  • Work with your team. To connect with a certificate of diabetes education specialist. Ask your diabetes treatment team for help when you need it.
  • Let others know. Use a bracelet or necklace that says you have diabetes. This is most important if you are taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medicine.
  • Schedule a yearly physical and regular eye exams. Diabetes tests are not intended to replace the medical examinations or routine eye exams.
  • Keep your vaccinations up to date.High blood sugar can weaken your immune system. Get vaccinated against the flu every year. Stay current on COVID-19 vaccines. Your health care team may also suggest the vaccine against pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also suggests that vaccination against hepatitis B if you have not had this vaccine and you are 19 to 59 years of age. Talk with your health care team about other vaccines you may need.
  • Take care of your teeth. Diabetes can make you more likely to get serious gum infections. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and schedule regular dental exams. Contact your dentist right away if your gums bleed or look red or swollen.
  • Be careful with the feet.Wash your feet daily with warm water. Dry gently, including between the toes. Use lotion to moisturize them. Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, sores, changes in the color and swelling. Contact your health care team if you have a sore or other foot problem that is not healing.
  • Control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly can go a long way towards the management of high blood pressure and cholesterol. Take the medicines as prescribed.
  • Do not use tobacco products. If you smoke or use other types of tobacco, ask your health care team to help you stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of complications of diabetes.
  • The use of alcohol in moderation.Drinks with alcohol can decrease or increase the levels of sugar in the blood. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only with a meal. Drink with moderation. That means no more than one drink per day for people assigned female at birth and no more than two drinks per day for people assigned male at birth. Check your blood sugar often after drinking alcohol.
  • Sleep well. Many people with type 2 diabetes have sleep problems. Not enough sleep can make it more difficult to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. If you have trouble sleeping, talk with your health care team about the ways to sleep better.

Keep your vaccinations up to date. High blood sugar can weaken your immune system. Get vaccinated against the flu every year. Stay current on COVID-19 vaccines. Your health care team may also suggest the vaccine against pneumonia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also suggests that vaccination against hepatitis B if you have not had this vaccine and you are 19 to 59 years of age. Talk with your health care team about other vaccines you may need.

Be careful with the feet. Wash your feet daily with warm water. Dry gently, including between the toes. Use lotion to moisturize them.

Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, sores, changes in the color and swelling. Contact your health care team if you have a sore or other foot problem that is not healing.

The use of alcohol in moderation. Drinks with alcohol can decrease or increase the levels of sugar in the blood. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only with a meal.

Drink with moderation. That means no more than one drink per day for people assigned female at birth and no more than two drinks per day for people assigned male at birth. Check your blood sugar often after drinking alcohol.

Alternative medicine

Many of the treatments of alternative medicine intended to help people living with diabetes. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that studies have not shown sufficient evidence for any alternative therapy to manage blood sugar. The research has shown the following results about the popular supplements for diabetes type 2:

  • Chromium supplements have been shown to help little to nothing. Large doses can cause damage to the kidneys, muscular problems and skin reactions.
  • Magnesium supplements have been shown to help with blood sugar management in some but not all studies. Side effects include diarrhea and cramps. Doses of more than 5,000 mg a day may be fatal.
  • Cinnamon, in some studies, reduced the levels of fasting glucose, but not the levels of A1C. So that there is no proof of that cinnamon improves blood sugar management in general.

Talk with your health care team before using a dietary supplement or natural treatment. Do not use alternative medicine in place of your prescribed medicines for diabetes.

Coping and support

Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease. In accordance with a plan of treatment of diabetes can be difficult. To control diabetes, you may need to have a good support network.

Anxiety and depression are common in people living with diabetes. Speak with a counselor or therapist can help you cope with the lifestyle changes you need to make and the stress that comes with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Support groups can be a good source of diabetes education, emotional support and useful information. You can learn how to find local resources or where to find the carbohydrate counts for a favorite restaurant. If you want to join a support group, your healthcare team may be able to suggest a group in your area.

Visit the website of the American Diabetes Association to find local activities and support groups for people with type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association also offers online information and forums on the internet where you can chat with other people who live with diabetes. You can also call the organization at 800-DIABETES ( 800-342-2383 ).

Preparing for your appointment

Your annual wellness visit can include the detection of diabetes. And you can include the observation and treatment of conditions that increase the risk of diabetes. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a high BMI.

If you have symptoms that may be linked to diabetes, be prepared to answer the following questions in your visit:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Is there something that the symptoms better or worse?
  • What medications do you take, including dietary supplements and herbal remedies?
  • What do you eat in a typical day? What to eat in between meals or before going to bed?
  • How much alcohol do you drink?
  • How much daily exercise do you get?
  • Is there a history of diabetes in your family?

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your health care professional can begin a treatment plan. Or you may be sent to a specialist in hormonal disorders, called an endocrinologist. Your health care team may also include the following specialists:

  • Dietitian.
  • Diabetes specialist certificate in education.
  • The foot doctor, also called a podiatrist.
  • A specialist in care of the eye, called an eye doctor.

Talk with your health care professional about other specialists you may need.

Questions for the academic appointments

Each time you see a member of your treatment team, ask if there is something that you need to do before the appointment. These can include not eating or drinking before a test. Always talk about the following with your health care team:

  • With what frequency do I need to check my blood sugar? What is my target range?
  • What changes in my diet to help me better manage my blood sugar?
  • What is the correct dose of medication prescribed?
  • When do I take the medicine? I take it with food?
  • How do I manage my diabetes affects treatments for other conditions? How can I make sure that the treatments work together?
  • When I have to do a follow-up appointment?
  • When should I call to you or seek emergency care?
  • There are brochures or online sources that you suggest?
  • Is there help if I have problems to pay for diabetes supplies?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care team may ask questions to your appointments, such as:

  • Do you know what is your treatment plan and feel that you can follow?
  • How are you coping with diabetes?
  • Have you had any low blood sugar?
  • What to do if your blood sugar is too high or too low?
  • What do you most often eat in a day?
  • Do you exercise? What type of exercise? What's the frequency?
  • Do you sit for long periods of time?
  • What makes the management of your diabetes difficult for you?
Symptoms and treatment of Type 2 diabetes