Type 2 diabetes means that your body cannot use or store glucose (sugar) as it should. You may have enough insulin, but it does not work as it should to open cell walls for glucose to enter. This is called insulin resistance. It is the main problem of type 2 diabetes.
Your pancreas makes insulin. When blood glucose levels rise, the body releases insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal. After years of your pancreas working extra hard to do this, it gets tired and can no longer keep up. Insulin supply goes down and blood glucose levels go up. This is when type 2 diabetes is diagnosed.
Food and Insulin
Most of the food you eat turns into glucose and enters the blood. The rise in blood sugar after a meal causes the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is needed to move glucose into the cells. Once inside the cells, glucose is burned for energy.
Symptoms of High Blood Glucose
You may not have any symptoms. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes come on slowly, over months and even years. Symptoms could include:
Frequent urination
Feeling tired
Thirst
Dry or itchy skin
Frequent infections
Slow healing
Numbness or tingling in toes or fingers
Blurred vision
Diagnosis
A1C test result of 6.5% or higher
Fasting blood glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher (“Fasting” means nothing to eat for at least 8 hours before the test.)
Symptoms of diabetes and blood glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher
Risk Factors
Over age 45
Family history of diabetes
Race/ethnicity (Native American, African American, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
Overweight
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Physical inactivity
History of diabetes during pregnancy
Given birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds
Treatment
Diet and exercise improve blood glucose. If healthy lifestyle changes are not enough, you may need medicines to help control your blood sugar. Knowing about diabetes and how it’s treated will help you stay healthy.
Build Your Team
You are the most important person on the team. Your doctor, nurse educator and dietitian will help you learn about taking care of yourself. A dentist, eye doctor, doctor, counselor, and someone to help you with an exercise plan are also good team members. Don’t forget to include family members and friends who can support you.