Community
Type 2 Diabetes
The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment.
When to seek help
Seek emergency care for signs of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state or DKA: very high blood sugar with confusion, extreme thirst, or weakness.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
Overview
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not use insulin well and blood sugar rises too high. It is the most common form of diabetes and can often be managed with lifestyle change and medicines.
Symptoms
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Causes
The body becomes resistant to insulin and the pancreas cannot keep up. Risk factors include family history, excess weight, inactivity, and age.
Types
- Type 2 diabetes (most common)
- Prediabetes - blood sugar is high but not yet diabetic
Diagnosis
Diagnosed with blood tests: fasting glucose, HbA1c, or an oral glucose tolerance test.
Treatment
Managed with healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, and medicines such as metformin; some people eventually need insulin. Blood-sugar monitoring and regular checkups are key.
Living with it
- Eat a balanced diet and manage carbohydrates
- Be physically active most days
- Lose weight if advised (5–10% can help a lot)
- Take medicines as prescribed
- Get regular eye, kidney, and foot checkups
Complications
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Eye damage (retinopathy)
- Foot problems
Frequently asked questions
Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
It can often go into remission with significant weight loss and lifestyle change, but it can return. It is best managed as a long-term condition.
Join the Type 2 Diabetes community
Talk with people who understand, share what helps, and find support from others living with type 2 diabetes. Private, moderated, and free.
Posts in this community reflect personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.