Diagnosing type 2 diabetes typically includes an A1C hemoglobin test, random plasma glucose (RPG) test, and a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test. Diagnosis might also include an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). It’s recommended that older adults begin to screen for blood sugar starting at age 45, or even younger if they are at high risk for the disease.
People who develop type 2 diabetes have a range of treatment choices. Some of these choices include exercise, losing weight, diet changes, and nutrition counseling. They also include anti-diabetic medications and insulin. Not all people with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin. But those who do need insulin can take it in a variety of ways.