Find a Doctor Careers Locations Giving Volunteer MyChart Our Services My Visit Our Promise Home Health Library Print Page Share Text Size A A A Health Library Type 2 Diabetes Related Media: The Importance of Healthy Eating When You Have Diabetes Definition Diabetes happens when the body does not make enough insulin to move glucose from the blood to the cells. This causes glucose to build up in the blood instead of being used by the cells for energy. Type 2 is more common in adults. Causes Type 2 happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas cannot make enough. This may be due to a person's genes and habits. Risk Factors Type 2 is more common in people with obesity and those over 45 years of age. People who are American Indian, Alaska natives, Black, and Hispanic are at higher risk. Some other common risks are: Prediabetes—slightly high glucose levels Metabolic syndrome —fat around the belly and high cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure Polycystic ovary syndrome Past gestational diabetes or having a baby that weighs over 9 pounds at birth Poor eating habits Lack of exercise Smoking High blood pressure Taking certain medicines, such as glucocorticoids or thiazides Symptoms Most people do not have problems right away. Others may have: Urinating more often Being very thirsty Hunger Blurry eyesight Weight loss Being very tired Frequent infections Diagnosis The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that check for high glucose levels. More than 1 test may be done. These blood tests will also be done to find out whether it is type 1 or type 2: Insulin level or C-peptide tests to see how much insulin is being made by the pancreas Tests that look for antibodies that are working against the pancreas Treatment The goal is to keep glucose levels at close to normal levels. This can be done with: Healthy Habits Healthy habits can help manage type 2, such as: Testing blood glucose levels often Working with a dietitian to make a meal plan that will help keep blood glucose levels normal Getting enough exercise Reaching a healthy weight Medicine Some people may need medicine to lower insulin resistance. There are many types. Metformin is a common medicine that is given. People who cannot manage type 2 with healthy habits and medicine may need insulin. It will replace the insulin hormone that their body does not make. It can be given by injection, inhaler, or by a pump that gives it in small amounts during the day. Prevention A person may not be able to lower the risk of diabetes. Healthy habits may help, such as exercising, staying at a healthy weight, and eating right. Resources American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov Canadian Resources Canadian Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.ca Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca References American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology. Comprehensive Type 2 Diabetes Management Algorithm 2017. Endocr Pract. 2017 Feb;23(2):207-238. American Diabetes Association Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes of Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Care. 2015 Jan;38 Suppl:S8-S16. American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2019 Jan; 42 (Suppl 1):S1-S193, Diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/diabetes-mellitus-type-2-in-adults. Accessed November 1, 2020. Diabetes mellitus type 2 in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/diabetes-mellitus-type-2-in-children-and-adolescents. Accessed November 1, 2020. Dietary considerations for patients with type 2 diabetes. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/dietary-considerations-for-patients-with-type-2-diabetes. Accessed November 1, 2020. Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes. Accessed November 1, 2020. 10/1/2018 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/condition/risk-factors-for-diabetes-mellitus-type-2 : Mantovani A, Byrne CD, et al. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of incident type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(2):372-382. EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD 202009 202000728 about us News & Media Events Calendar Contact Us Hospital Leadership Hospital Auxiliaries Our History Medical Staff Office Vendor Information main campus Winchester Hospital 41 Highland Avenue, Winchester, MA 01890 781-729-9000 TTY 781-756-2581 › View all Locations Site Map Privacy Statement Remote Access Cookie Policy © 2021 Winchester Hospital Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram YouTube