Oce of Minority Health

and Health Equity

DID YOU

KNOW?

You can manage your diabetes by 

keeping your blood sugar at normal 

levels through diet, exercise, or by 

using insulin or diabetes 

medications as prescribed by your 

health care provider. 

FDA Oce of Minority

Health and Health Equity

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.fda.gov/healthequity

healthequity@fda.hhs.gov

1-888-INFO-FDA

(1-888-463-6332)

@FDAHealthEquity









FDA encourages diverse 

participation in clinical trials.

If you think a clinical trial may 

be right for you, talk to your 

health care provider.

You can also search for clinical 

trials in your area at 

www.clinicaltrials.gov.

LIVING WITH

TYPE 2 DIABETES
What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a 

disease that happens 

when your body 

does not make or 

use insulin well. 

Insulin, a 

hormone made 

by the pancreas, 

helps glucose 

(sugar) from the foods 

you eat get into your 

cells to be used for energy. 

Without insulin, glucose stays in your blood (high 

blood sugar) and doesn't reach your cells. Over 

time, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to other 

serious health problems such as heart disease, 

kidney disease, and vision loss.

How is type 2 diabetes treated?

The goal of diabetes treatment is to keep your 

blood sugar at normal levels. Your health care 

provider will determine your blood sugar goal, the 

range you should try to maintain as often as 

possible, and how often to check your blood sugar 

using a blood sugar meter (glucometer) or 

continuous glucose monitor 

(CGM).

A blood sugar meter 

requires you to place a 

drop of blood, usually 

from your fingertip, 

into the meter on a 

disposable test strip to 

get a reading. A CGM 

uses a glucose sensor 

inserted under your skin

to measure sugar levels every few minutes. 

Some people living with type 2 diabetes can 

manage their disease by making healthy food 

choices and being more physically active. 

Make healthy food choices. The key to 

managing blood sugar is eating healthy foods in 

the right amounts at the right times. Work with a 

dietitian or diabetes educator to create a healthy 

eating plan. 

Be more physically active. Being active helps 

your body use insulin eectively and better 

control your blood sugar levels. It also lowers 

your risk for heart disease and nerve damage.

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Diagnosis A1C Level

Normal Below 5.7%

Prediabetes 5.7% to 6.4%

Diabetes 6.5% or above

YOUR A1C LEVELS

The A1C test measures your average blood 

sugar levels over the past 3 months. For 

most people living with diabetes, a test 

result of 7% or less is ideal. Higher A1C 

levels put you at risk for diabetes 

complications.

Check your A1C levels by getting tested at 

least twice a year, more often if your

medication changes or if you have other

health conditions.

Many people with type 2 diabetes may need to 

take diabetes medications. These may include pills, 

insulin, or other injectable medications.

If lifestyle changes are not enough to manage your 

weight, bariatric surgery is one option that can

help you lose weight and control your blood 

glucose levels.

Managing your blood sugar

Eating healthy

Being physically active

Managing your blood pressure

Not smoking

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DIABETES AND KIDNEY HEALTH

Having diabetes raises your risk of kidney 

disease (nephropathy). Keep your kidneys 

healthy by: