What is Type 2 Diabetes? Symptoms and Treatment of T2D

Living with unstable blood sugar levels disrupts your health and impacts daily life, which is why understanding what is type 2 diabetes matters to everyone. What is type two diabetes? It’s a chronic condition where your body cannot effectively use insulin, causing glucose to build up in your bloodstream instead of fueling your cells. This disease affects millions of Americans, with many unaware they have it. Learning about type 2 diabetes symptoms and treatments helps you take control of your health before complications arise.

Type 2 diabetes, a type of diabetes mellitus, is a chronic condition that interferes with how your body processes glucose and causes unstable blood glucose levels. This article covers what you need to know about type 2 diabetes, including symptoms and treatment options.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

T2D, short for type 2 diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects how the body uses glucose.

Our body needs a type of sugar called glucose for energy. To access this energy, the body needs insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to move glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. Without insulin, the cells cannot absorb glucose, leading to excess glucose (blood sugar) in the bloodstream. When people talk about blood glucose levels, they mean blood sugar levels, or the amount of sugar in your bloodstream.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus: type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 (T2D). Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body cannot produce enough insulin or use insulin effectively, known as insulin resistance. This leads to a build up of glucose in the bloodstream that can cause high blood sugar and life-threatening complications in some rare cases. Unlike type 1, type 2 diabetes develops gradually and often appears in adulthood.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 38.4 million people in the United States, about 11% of the population, have diabetes. An additional 8.7 million Americans are estimated to have undiagnosed diabetes.

Knowing the warning signs for type 2 diabetes and getting appropriate treatment is essential for living well and avoiding diabetes complications.

Symptoms of Type Two Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes causes a range of symptoms that develop over time. The most common symptoms include:

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Blurred vision
• Vision loss
• Increased need to pee
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Thrush (fungal infection of the mouth)
• Gum and tooth infections
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Itching
• Poor wound healing
• Frequent infections
• ED (erectile dysfunction)

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes typically develop slowly, especially in its early stages. Some people have type 2 diabetes and either do not notice their symptoms or mistake them for something else. You can have type 2 for up to ten years without knowing. Due to this, it is important to know your risk for type 2 diabetes and its early warning signs.

In some cases, type 2 diabetes can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, especially if left untreated. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe diabetes complication that occurs when insufficient insulin levels lead to a dangerous buildup of ketones, an acid, in the bloodstream. DKA is a medical emergency and requires immediate care, often involving hospitalization for insulin and IV fluids.

Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis include:

• Fruity-smelling breath
• Flu-like symptoms
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dehydration
• Fast and deep breathing
• Drowsiness
• Dry skin and mouth
• Rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Coma

If you have a sudden onset of diabetes symptoms, see a doctor or visit the emergency room immediately.

Causes of Type Two Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It develops when your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or when the body cannot use insulin properly, known as insulin resistance. When insulin resistant, the cells in your liver, muscles, and fat do not respond well to insulin. This causes too much glucose to build in the bloodstream. 

Many people who develop type 2 diabetes first have a condition called prediabetes. This is when your blood glucose levels are elevated but below type 2 diabetes diagnostic levels.

The exact causes of insulin resistance and impaired insulin production are not fully understood, but genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors play a significant role. That said, we do know that people are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes if they:

• Are obese, overweight, or have excess abdomen fat
• Are over 35
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Are African American, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic, Latino, or Pacific Islander.
• Live a sedentary lifestyle and are not physically active
• Smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke
• Have prediabetes
• Have a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds

Some risk factors, like family history, race, or age, are unavoidable. However, you may be able to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and being physically active.

How Do You Diagnose Diabetes Type 2?

There are several ways to test if you have diabetes. These tests include:

• A1C: The A1C test, or hemoglobin test, checks your average blood glucose levels over the past few months. A1C levels below 5.7% are considered within a healthy range. A1C levels between 5.8 and 6.4% is considered prediabetes. An A1C level of 6.5% or greater indicates that you have diabetes.
• Fasting plasma glucose (FPG): This fasting plasma glucose test checks your blood sugar levels after not eating for at least 8 hours. A fasting plasma glucose result greater or equal to 126 mg/dl means that you may have diabetes.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This 2-hour test checks your blood sugar levels before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink. This tells your doctor how your body processes glucose. A blood glucose level equal or greater to 200 mg/dl indicates diabetes.
• Glucose test: A random plasma glucose test checks your blood glucose level at any time of the day. A blood glucose level equal or greater to 200 mg/dl means you may have diabetes.

Each test needs to be repeated on a different day to confirm a diabetes diagnosis. If your blood glucose results are very high and you have symptoms, you may not need another test.

Risk Factors

There are several factors that can increase your risk for type 2 diabetes. Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age. You are at an increased risk if you white and over 40 or African American, American Indian, Hispanic, Latino, or Alaska Native and over 25. Other factors include:

• Having prediabetes
• Being obese or overweight
• Having excess abdominal fat
• Having a family history of type 2 diabetes
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome
• Having a history of type 2 diabetes
• Giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds
• Having a history of gestational diabetes
• Being a smoker
• Physical inactivity

Some risk factors of type 2 diabetes, like age, race, and family history, cannot be prevented. However, you can still prevent or delay the onset of diabetes through lifestyle changes.

Prevention

Lifestyle changes are the key to minimizing your risk of type 2 diabetes. These include:

• Quitting smoking if you are a smoker
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Losing weight if you are overweight
• Increasing your physical activity
• Refraining from drinking alcohol
• Eating a balanced diet
• Minimizing your intake of processed and sugary foods

If you already have type 2 diabetes, there are still steps you can take to prevent your condition from progressing. Regulating your blood sugar levels and taking care of your health is the key to living well with type 2 diabetes.

Management and Treatment

Type 2 is a chronic condition, and there is no cure.

However, you can live a long, healthy life if you manage your condition properly. Some individuals with type 2 diabetes can even go into remission, which is when blood sugar levels return to normal without diabetes medication.

After a type 2 or prediabetes diagnosis, it is important to learn about your condition. Diabetes education is a large component of managing diabetes and covers:

• Healthy eating
• Physical activity
• Weight loss if needed
• Diabetes medication
• Insulin therapy if needed
• Monitoring blood sugar

Managing type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Your health care team- which includes your doctor, nutritionist, diabetes educator, and pharmacist- will help you and guide you every step of the way. Having a good support system can help you manage your diagnosis and stay accountable.

Medication and Insulin Therapy

Many people living with type 2 diabetes take diabetes medication. Diabetes medicine can help regulate blood sugar levels when used in combination with healthy eating and exercise. Common types of non-insulin diabetes medicines include:

• GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1)
• Metformin
• DDP-4 inhibitors (dipeptidyl peptidase 4)
• GIP (peptide receptor agonists)
• SGLT2 inhibitors (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2)
• sulfonylureas
• TZDs (thiazolidinediones)

Overtime, medications can become less effective as diabetes progresses. An adjustment in medications may be needed in these cases.

Sometimes people with type 2 diabetes may need to use insulin therapy, like insulin injectables. This is more common if someone living with type 2 gets an infection or needs surgery.

Monitoring Blood Sugar

A large part of managing diabetes is keeping your blood glucose levels in check. Your healthcare provider will determine your target A1C levels and test your levels two times per year. Target A1C levels vary depending on age and other factors. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C target below 7% for optimal diabetes management.

Your health care team may also screen you for other conditions related to type 2 diabetes.

Lifestyle Changes

Many people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes need to make lifestyle changes that help their blood sugar levels stay in a healthy range. These changes include healthy eating, increasing physical activity, and weight loss if needed.

There is no such thing as a diabetes diet. However, having a regular schedule for meals and healthy snacks as well as eating smaller amounts of food can prevent blood sugar drops and spikes. Focusing on high-fiber and whole foods can also promote healthy blood glucose levels. A licensed dietitian can help you plan healthy meals that help keep blood sugar stable.

A regular exercise routine helps manage blood sugar. Aim to exercise for 30 minutes three to five times a week. Incorporating more movement throughout your day can also help. Consider getting a standing desk or opting for the stairs instead of the elevator.

In some cases, losing weight can help stabilize blood sugar. Consult your doctor if weight loss is recommended for your diabetes treatment plan.

How Does Type 2 Diabetes Differ From Type 1?

While both type 1 and type 2 diabetes affect blood sugar, they are distinct conditions. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that stops the production of insulin. It is less common than type 2, only affecting 8% of people living with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Type 2 diabetes causes insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance and a decline in insulin production. Unlike type 1, you can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Complications of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can harm your health over time, especially if poorly controlled or left untreated. Diabetes mellitus affects every part of the body, including the heart, nerves, blood vessels, eyes and kidneys. Potential complications include:

• High blood pressure: Having diabetes makes you twice as likely to develop high blood pressure. This increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Heart disease: Diabetes increases your risk of cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease. Other complications include heart attack, stroke, chest pain, narrowing of the blood arteries, as well as high blood sugar and high blood pressure.
• Digestive and kidney diseases: Diabetes can damage the kidneys, which keep waste from entering the blood. Overtime, this can lead to kidney failure or kidney disease as a result. Sometimes dialysis may be required if kidney disease is severe.
• Nerve damage: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels that keep nerves healthy. This can lead to tingling, numbing, pain, and burning sensations in the extremities. Poorly controlled blood sugar could lead to total body numbness over time. Nerve damage in the digestive system can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Pregnancy complications: High blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy can pose health risks for the mother and baby. It increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preeclampsia (high blood pressure), diabetic ketoacidosis, and birth defects.

Type 2 diabetes can also cause eye damage and foot damage if nerve damage occurs in these areas. It also increases your risk of skin and mouth conditions like bacterial and fungal infections.

If you have type 2 diabetes, it is essential to take your diabetes care seriously. Keeping your blood sugar levels stable through medication and lifestyle changes is essential for avoiding long-term damage and complications.

Get Diabetes Care with a Licensed Dietitian

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition defined by insulin resistance. It causes excess glucose in the blood which can have devastating health consequences if not treated properly. Taking diabetes medication, monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly, and making the appropriate lifestyle changes can help you manage your condition and live well with type 2 diabetes.

A type 2 diabetes diagnosis can be scary, but you are not alone. A licensed dietitian can be a part of your diabetes care team. At Dietitian Live, our expert dietitians offer nutrition guidance specifically for your condition. They can develop an eating plan that promotes stable blood sugar throughout the day. Book an appointment today, and we’ll work together to take control of your health and make healthy choices!