Diabetes is a common health condition where your body has trouble managing sugar (glucose) levels. Think of glucose as the fuel that gives your cells energy to work properly. Everyone needs sugar for energy, but diabetes happens when this system isn’t working as it should.
What’s Happening in Your Body?
Normally, when you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose. This glucose goes into your bloodstream. A hormone called insulin helps move that sugar from your blood and into your body’s cells, where it can be used for energy. Insulin is made by an organ in your belly called the pancreas.
With diabetes, things go wrong with this process and diabetes medication is often prescribed. There are two main types: Type 1 and Type 2.
- Type 1 Diabetes: This usually starts when you’re a kid or young adult. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means your body mistakenly attacks its own pancreas and stops making insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type, and it usually develops when you’re older. It’s often linked to being overweight or not getting enough exercise.
What’s Different About Type 2?
In Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas does still make insulin. But your body’s cells don’t respond to it properly. This is called insulin resistance. It’s like your cells are ignoring the insulin’s signal to take in sugar.
Over time, your pancreas might also have trouble making enough insulin to keep up with your body’s needs. This is when your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication or lifestyle changes.
Why is Type 2 So Common?
About 9 out of 10 people with diabetes have Type 2 and are taking diabetes medication. Things like being overweight, not exercising enough, and having a family history of diabetes can increase your risk.
What are the Signs?
Sometimes, there aren’t any obvious signs of Type 2 diabetes early on. But as it gets worse, you might notice:
- Feeling very thirsty: Your body is trying to flush out extra sugar.
- Needing to pee a lot: Again, your body is trying to get rid of extra sugar.
- Blurry vision: High blood sugar can affect your eyes.
- Feeling tired all the time: Your cells aren’t getting enough energy.
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet: High blood sugar can damage nerves.
- Wounds that don’t heal easily: High blood sugar can slow down healing.
- Frequent yeast infections: High sugar levels can encourage yeast to grow.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed?
Doctors use two main tests:
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures your blood sugar after you haven’t eaten for at least 8 hours. A result over 125 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) usually means you have diabetes.
- A1C Test: This test shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. A result of 6.5% or higher usually means you have diabetes.
What Can You Do About It?
The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes (to help you avoid having to take diabetes medications):
- Healthy Eating: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit sugary drinks and processed foods.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Weight Management: Losing even a little bit of weight can make a big difference.
Sometimes, lifestyle changes are not maintained enough, and you might be told to take medication to help control your blood sugar. You should always know the risk with taking diabetes medication.
Medications & Other Important Information:
- Insulin: Some people with Type 2 diabetes may be told to take insulin.
- Cholesterol & Heart Health: People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease. Your doctor may prescribe a medication called a statin to lower your cholesterol. Statins can sometimes cause muscle or joint pain.
- Preventing Complications: Managing your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure can help prevent serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.
Important Note: It’s important to talk to your doctor about any health concerns you have especially any adverse effects from your diabetes medication. They can help you create a plan that’s right for you.
Summary Table (Quick Reference)
Feature | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes |
Typical Onset | Childhood/Young Adulthood | Later in Life (often associated with weight) |
Cause | Autoimmune attack on pancreas; little to no insulin production | Insulin resistance; pancreas may not produce enough insulin over time |
Most Common? | Less common (about 10% of diabetes cases) | Most common (about 90% of diabetes cases) |
Key Management | Insulin injections or pump | Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), medication (sometimes insulin) |
Interested in learning more about your diabetes medication, order a medication safety report today.
DISCLAIMERS:
- This is a simplified explanation health and medication educational literacy purposes only and should NOT be considered medical advice. It does not cover all aspects of Type 2 diabetes.
- Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor can assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of action.
- This article may not reflect all current medical guidelines. Medical information changes frequently.
- Do not self-diagnose or treat any medical condition based on this information.
References
- Patient education: Type 2 diabetes (The Basics). In: UpToDate, UpToDate Inc, Waltham, MA. Patient education content written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate. Retrieved July 9, 2025, from www.uptodate.com/contents/type-2-diabetes-the-basics.
- Wexler DJ. Patient education: Type 2 diabetes: Overview (Beyond the Basics). In: UpToDate, UpToDate Inc, Waltham, MA. Current through June 2025; patient education content by the physicians and editors at UpToDate. Accessed July 9, 2025. www.uptodate.com/contents/type-2-diabetes-overview-beyond-the-basics.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes. NIDDK. Last reviewed March 2022. Accessed July 9, 2025. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is Diabetes? CDC. Published March 11, 2024. Accessed July 9, 2025. www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/index.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of Diabetes. Published May 15, 2024. Accessed July 9, 2025. www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/index.html.
- American Heart Association. What Is Diabetes and How Can I Manage It? Answers by Heart: Cardiovascular Conditions. Published January 2024. Accessed July 9, 2025. Available at: heart.org/AnswersByHeart.
- Wexler DJ. Patient education: Type 2 diabetes: Treatment (Beyond the Basics). In: Post TW, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate, Inc.; 2022. Accessed July 9, 2025. www.uptodate.com/contents/type-2-diabetes-treatment-beyond-the-basics.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Statins: Are these cholesterol‑lowering drugs right for you? Mayo Clinic. Accessed July 9, 2025. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statins/art-20045772.