🩸 What is type 2 diabetes?

Glucose is an important source of energy. Insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells.

In type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin and the pancreas may eventually be unable to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose in an appropriate range.

Type 2 diabetes often develops slowly and may remain undiagnosed for years.

🔎 Possible symptoms

Increased thirst.
Frequent urination.
Unusual fatigue.
Blurred vision.
Unintentional weight loss.
Slow-healing sores.
Frequent infections.

📊 Glucose and A1C

Normal A1C

Below 5.7%.

Prediabetes

A1C 5.7% to 6.4%.

Diabetes

A1C 6.5% or higher in the appropriate diagnostic setting.

Fasting glucose

126 mg/dL or higher is compatible with diabetes when appropriately confirmed.

Diagnostic results generally require confirmation unless there is unequivocal hyperglycemia with classic symptoms. A1C targets for people already living with diabetes must be individualized.

🥗 Healthy eating

There is no single “diabetes diet.” A healthy pattern emphasizes nutrient-rich foods, appropriate portions and individualized carbohydrate intake.

Nonstarchy vegetables.
Whole fruits.
Whole grains.
Beans and legumes.
Lean protein.
Fish.
Healthy unsaturated fats.
Water and unsweetened beverages.

🍽️ The plate method

½ plate

Nonstarchy vegetables.

¼ plate

Lean protein.

¼ plate

A quality carbohydrate such as a whole grain, beans or an appropriate starchy food.

🏃 Physical activity

For many adults, a general goal is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week.

Strength training involving the major muscle groups can be added two or more days each week when appropriate.

People using insulin or medicines that can cause hypoglycemia should understand how exercise affects their glucose and follow their individual monitoring plan.

💊 Treatment

Management may include healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, glucose monitoring and medication.

Medication options can include metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, other glucose-lowering medicines and insulin in selected cases.

Medication selection is individualized according to glucose control, cardiovascular and kidney health, body weight, hypoglycemia risk and other medical factors.

🫀 Reducing complications

Control blood glucose.
Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol.
Avoid tobacco.
Receive recommended eye examinations.
Monitor kidney health.
Check feet regularly.
Maintain dental and gum health.

🚨 When urgent care may be needed

Seek urgent medical care for severe hyperglycemia accompanied by persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, significant abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, confusion or loss of consciousness.

Severe hypoglycemia can also be dangerous, particularly in people using insulin or certain medicines.