Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), usually combined with the body not producing enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes most often begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which the pancreas produces enough insulin but for unknown reasons the body’s cells are not using the insulin properly. After several years, as the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed diabetes cases in the United States.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
• older age
• obesity
• family history of diabetes
• history of gestational diabetes
• impaired glucose metabolism
• physical inactivity
• race/ethnicity.

The onset of Type 2 diabetes is typically gradual, with little or no symptoms initially. Symptoms may include fatigue, increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds or sores. Some people have no symptoms.  Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes as compared to other ethnicities. Unfortunately, Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents and has a direct relationship to weight gain and obesity.

Some people who learn they have diabetes worry that it means their life is over or that they won't be able to do everything they used to do.  Neither of those things is true.  What is true is that you may need to changes some things about your daily routine.  There's a lot that you can do to keep yourself healthy and your diabetes care team will help you, but day-to-day diabetes care is up to you. That care includes:

• Choosing what, how much, and when to eat
• Getting physically active
• Checking your blood glucose (if your doctor prescribes it)
• Taking medicine (if your doctor prescribes it)
• Going to your appointments
• Learning all you can about diabetes   

The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes may be reduced through healthy nutrition choices and physical activity to prevent obesity.  If you are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, please read the next section on Pre Diabetes to learn how to lower your risk.