Take charge of your Type 2 Diabetes
Learn the signs, know your options, and change your life.
Type 2 Diabetes
Click on the plus sign for answers to commonly asked questions.
Learn the Signs
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Sometimes known as "bad blood" or "sugar in the blood," Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body's important source of fuel. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems.
What are the symptoms?
• Increased thirst and frequent urination.
• Increased hunger.
• Weight loss.
• Chronic fatigue and irritability.
• Blurred vision.
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections.
• Areas of darkened skin.
What are common risk factors?
• Weight.
• Fat distribution.
• Inactivity.
• Family history.
• Race.
• Age.
Can Type 2 Diabetes be cured?
Although there is no cure for Type 2 Diabetes, it can be prevented and often managed with lifestyle changes.
Know Your Options
Can Type 2 Diabetes be prevented?
Yes. Even if diabetes runs in your family, diet and exercise can help you prevent the disease. If you've already received a diagnosis of diabetes, you can use healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent complications such as cardiovascular problems, neuropathy, kidney damage, eye damage and blindness, hearing impairment, and possibly Alzheimer's disease.
How is Type 2 Diabetes diagnosed?
The American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening for type 2 diabetes beginning at age 45, and younger if you are overweight. Blood tests include the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test which indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months, a random blood sugar test, fasting blood sugar test, and oral glucose tolerance test.
How is Type 2 Diabetes managed?
Type 2 Diabetes is managed with lifestyle modification including a healthy diet, regular exercise and monitoring your blood glucose levels. Some people with Type 2 Diabetes also have to take insulin by injections or with an insulin pump.
Create New Habits
What is a healthy diet for managing Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is managed with insulin injections or use of an insulin pump, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels as directed by a doctor or Credentialed Diabetes Educator, and by following a healthy diet and eating plan.
Can I still eat at a restaurant?
Yes you can have diabetes and enjoy a dinner out! Find out how the calories, carbs, fat, and sodium stack up in three popular types of restaurants -- Italian, Mexican, and Chinese. Visit the Diabetic Living Online website to learn tips and access a diabetes dining guide that shows you how to slim down each meal to fit your diabetic eating plan.
What are the easiest ways to get active?
• Choose activities you enjoy.
• Set simple goals to build confidence.
• Include variety.
• Enjoy activities with friends.
• Don’t give up!