Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, making up approximately 95 percent of adult cases. It occurs when your body does not make or use insulin well.
Although individuals can develop this type of diabetes at any age, it most often occurs in middle-aged and older people. In fact, diabetes affects 1 in 4 people over the age of 65. Other risk factors include a family history of diabetes, being overweight, lack of physical activity, and health problems such as high blood pressure.
Your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes increases if you have prediabetes or had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant. In addition, diabetes is more common in people who are African-American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes develop slowly, so you may not notice them, or you may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms may include:
- Increased hunger, thirst, and urination
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Sores that do not heal
- Unexplained weight loss
Tests
Blood Glucose Test
People with Type 2 diabetes need to monitor blood glucose levels, commonly done with a small, portable device called a blood glucose meter. The meter, or monitor, quickly displays your blood glucose level. This helps you to know how food, activity, and medicine are affecting your blood glucose and that it isn’t too high or too low. Our specialists can advise you on when and how often to check your blood glucose.
Blood Pressure Test
A simple blood pressure test can help determine if you have hypertension, defined as an increase in the amount of force that blood places on blood vessels as it moves through the body. High blood pressure (hypertension) makes your heart work too hard and can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Our diabetes experts can help you achieve your blood pressure goal.
Cholesterol Test
Your doctor may recommend you undergo a complete cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel or lipid profile. It measures the amount of “good” and “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, a type of fat, in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to function properly; however, too much cholesterol can lead to heart disease, stroke, or atherosclerosis. You should have your cholesterol levels checked regularly, generally every year if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.
Treatments
Lifestyle Changes
Once you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, our specialists can help you control it by managing your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. You should also quit smoking, if you smoke. Our specialists can help you learn about planning healthy meals, limiting calories if you are overweight, being physically active, and taking prescribed medicines.
Prescribed Medications
Prescribed medications may include taking pills or using medicines you inject, such as insulin. Some individuals may need more than one diabetes medicine to manage blood glucose.
Insulin Management
Our diabetes experts can help determine which products and delivery systems will work best for you to monitor your blood glucose levels and correctly administer your insulin.
Exercise
Exercise is a key factor in proper diabetes care and being active will help keep your blood glucose levels stable. We will share ideas to keep you motivated and get fit.
Proper Nutrition
Because proper nutrition is so critical in managing your Type 2 diabetes, we’ll teach you how different foods affect your blood glucose and how to develop appropriate meal plans to meet your needs.
Support
It’s important for people living with and affected by diabetes to find not just physical, but also emotional support from their health care team, family, and caregivers. We offer several programs to help meet the need for support.
Why Choose UHealth?
Personalized care for your life with Type 2 diabetes. Our leading experts use a multidisciplinary approach to enhance your patient experience, assist with chronic disease management, and improve health outcomes. The team includes endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, podiatrists, nephrologists, dietitians, nutrition educators, and others.
Comprehensive diabetes care. At the Comprehensive Diabetes Center, you have access to a variety of specialists. That means you can see several providers in a single, convenient visit. And, it allows your providers to work together as a well-integrated team. Your patient navigator will assist you in coordinating care and scheduling visits based on your needs.
Practical, up-to-date resources to enhance quality of life. As part of the Diabetes Research Institute, our team of specialists is part of the latest breakthroughs in research and treatment of diabetes and endocrine disorders. Sharing the most current medical therapies and research findings, we help you and your family make healthy lifestyle choices.