Published on Apr 10, 2023 | 10:18 AM
Share Article :
About 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes, and most of those cases are type 2.1 Type 2 diabetes, also known as type 2 diabetes mellitus and adult-onset diabetes, can affect how your body manages sugar, potentially leading to serious health issues if left untreated. But with early detection and the right approach, managing type 2 diabetes can greatly improve your quality of life.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects how your body uses insulin, a hormone that helps move sugar (glucose) from your blood into your cells for energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t respond well to insulin or doesn’t make enough of it to keep blood sugar levels in check.
This is different from type 1 diabetes, where the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes often develops over time due to factors like diet, weight, and activity levels. When the body can’t use insulin properly, sugar builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy, which can cause various health problems.
The development of diabetes type 2 is influenced by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors.
Genetics can play a significant role, as those with a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it themselves.
However, lifestyle choices often trigger or accelerate the onset of type 2 diabetes. A diet high in processed sugars and unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain, which increases the risk of insulin resistance.
Physical inactivity is another major contributor, as regular exercise helps the body regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Additional risk factors include aging, high blood pressure, and certain health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).2
Type 2 diabetes symptoms can develop gradually, with symptoms becoming more noticeable over time. Recognizing these common symptoms can help in seeking timely medical attention:2
Diagnosing type 2 diabetes primarily involves the A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.3
Other diagnostic tests include the fasting blood sugar test, which measures glucose levels after an overnight fast, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which evaluates blood sugar before and after consuming a glucose beverage, and the random blood sugar test, which can be done at any time and is especially useful if symptoms are present. Early detection through these tests is key to effective management.2
Effectively managing diabetes type 2 involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, regular monitoring, and weight management. Here's a some of the most common type 2 diabetes treatments:
Treatment for diabetes type 2 often begins with transitioning into a more balanced diet and increasing physical activity. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables can help maintain stable glucose levels. Incorporating regular exercise, such as walking or cycling, can improve insulin sensitivity, helping the body use glucose more efficiently.
Management often requires type 2 diabetes medications​ to help control blood sugar levels and improve how the body uses insulin. Providers may start out with one of the following medications for type 2 diabetes,​ and later prescribe additional medication if patients become more insulin resistant, typically for better overnight control.
Regular blood sugar monitoring helps track how well your treatment plan is working. Some individuals may use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for more detailed insights into their blood sugar patterns. Many CGMs also have features that help users to track diet and exercise.
Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. For some, weight loss through diet and exercise may be enough to bring blood sugar levels back to a normal range.
Preventing type 2 diabetes involves adopting a healthy lifestyle to reduce risk factors like poor diet, inactivity, and excess weight.
A balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, along with regular exercise, can help maintain stable blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Monitoring blood sugar levels, especially for those with prediabetes or a family history, can catch issues early.
Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider further support prevention efforts. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference in reducing type 2 diabetes risk.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, often developing in children or young adults, where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells, causing rapid onset of symptoms like thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss. Type 2 diabetes, usually in adults, develops gradually as the body becomes insulin-resistant or doesn’t produce enough insulin, often due to lifestyle factors.
Early warning signs of Type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.4
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes, indicating a higher risk for developing the condition. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a chronic condition where blood sugar levels are consistently elevated, often requiring active management to prevent complications.
In some cases, type 2 diabetes can be put into remission through significant weight loss, a healthy diet, and regular exercise, but it requires ongoing management and commitment.
Managing type 2 diabetes doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With Call-On-Doc's online type 2 diabetes treatment options, you can access easy and accessible ongoing support for your chronic care needs, all from the comfort of your home.
Our end-to-end care includes prescriptions, refills, and lab services, with no need for appointments and prescriptions ready in as little as 15 minutes. Plus, with our Subscribe & Save plan, members enjoy $15 visits, making it simple and affordable to stay on top of your health.
Let Call-On-Doc help you take control of your diabetes with convenient, expert care. Get started today!
Sources:
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
More than 1 in 3 Americans—approximately 96 million adults—are prediabetic. Of those who have prediabetes. 80% do not know they have it. People with prediabetes don’t experience the same intensity of symptoms as those with diabetes. This can make noticing the signs and getting help early on difficult to do.
May 09, 2022 | 10:04 AM
What to Know About Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting women in the United States. This guide will explain breast cancer types and reveal what steps you can take for prevention and treatment.
Oct 23, 2022 | 11:47 AM
National Diabetes Awareness Week
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to get energy from glucose. People with this condition are either not able to produce sufficient insulin (Type 1) or are unable to use the insulin their body makes to its full potential (Type 2).
When either of these things occurs, an excess of sugar remains in the blood. Left unchecked, too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to the development of serious problems like kidney and heart disease, as well as vision loss. Unfortunately, 20% of people with diabetes may never know they have it.
Nov 15, 2022 | 11:19 AM
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Prediabetes
More than 1 in 3 Americans—approximately 96 million adults—are prediabetic. Of those who have prediabetes. 80% do not know they have it. People with prediabetes don’t experience the same intensity of symptoms as those with diabetes. This can make noticing the signs and getting help early on difficult to do.
May 09, 2022 | 10:04 AM
What to Know About Breast Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting women in the United States. This guide will explain breast cancer types and reveal what steps you can take for prevention and treatment.
Oct 23, 2022 | 11:47 AM
National Diabetes Awareness Week
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to get energy from glucose. People with this condition are either not able to produce sufficient insulin (Type 1) or are unable to use the insulin their body makes to its full potential (Type 2).
When either of these things occurs, an excess of sugar remains in the blood. Left unchecked, too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to the development of serious problems like kidney and heart disease, as well as vision loss. Unfortunately, 20% of people with diabetes may never know they have it.
Nov 15, 2022 | 11:19 AM
Feedback from our amazing patients!
"I can’t believe I did not know about this kind of service! This was absolutely perfect for my health concern and they were able to provide me with the necessary medication and with such cinch. Completely recommended this service. For minor health concerns, this can save you an unnecessary and costly trip to an urgent care center."
"Amazing!! Easy and fast! I didn’t have to take my 4 year old into an urgent care where only god knows what germs are there. The doctor sent the script right to my pharmacy within minutes!!!"
"I would give 10 stars if I could! CallonDoc is literally the reason I am recovering instead of suffering as I write this. I was skeptical at first, but I’m not kidding when I tell you I got prescribed my antibiotics and picked it up at the pharmacy within 2 hours. So instead of waiting & paying around 300$...I paid 40$!! I’m very pleased."
Be the first to know when we offer deals.
Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?