Overview

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body metabolizes sugar (glucose). With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells) or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

Symptoms

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased hunger
  • Unintended weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing sores
  • Frequent infections

Risk Factors

  • Weight (being overweight is a primary risk factor)
  • Fat distribution (deposits in abdomen)
  • Inactivity
  • Family history
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Age (risk increases after 45)
  • Prediabetes
  • Gestational diabetes during pregnancy

Complications

  • Heart and blood vessel disease
  • Nerve damage (neuropathy)
  • Kidney damage
  • Eye damage
  • Slow healing and skin infections
  • Hearing impairment
  • Sleep apnea
  • Dementia

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin. While the exact cause is unknown, genetics and environmental factors such as excess weight and inactivity appear to be contributing factors.

Diagnosis

Diabetes is diagnosed using blood tests including:
  • A1C test (measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months)
  • Fasting plasma glucose test
  • Oral glucose tolerance test
  • Random blood sugar test

Management

Managing type 2 diabetes requires a comprehensive approach:

Lifestyle Changes

  • Healthy eating (low carb, Mediterranean, or DASH diet)
  • Regular physical activity
  • Weight loss (even 5-10% can make a difference)
  • Stress management
  • Adequate sleep

Medications

Several classes of medications may be prescribed:
  • Metformin (first-line treatment)
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists (Ozempic, Mounjaro)
  • Sulfonylureas
  • DPP-4 inhibitors
  • SGLT2 inhibitors
  • Insulin (in some cases)

Monitoring

Regular monitoring is essential:
  • Blood sugar levels (home monitoring and A1C tests)
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Kidney function
  • Eye exams
  • Foot exams

Related Lab Tests

These tests help diagnose and monitor Type 2 Diabetes:

A1c Test → Glucose Test → Lipid Panel → Kidney Function Test →

Sources

Last Reviewed: April 2026