What is Type 2 Diabetes? Symptoms and Ways to Manage It
T2DM is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90–95% of cases worldwide (CDC, 2022). It typically develops in adults, but younger people—including children and adolescents—are increasingly being diagnosed, largely due to rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles.
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body cannot use insulin effectively (a condition called insulin resistance) and, over time, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells for energy. When this process is disrupted, blood sugar levels rise, leading to both immediate and long-term health problems.
T2DM is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90–95% of cases worldwide (CDC, 2022). It typically develops in adults, but younger people—including children and adolescents—are increasingly being diagnosed, largely due to rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
The onset of T2DM is often gradual, and some people may not notice symptoms for years. Common signs and symptoms include:
Increased thirst and frequent urination (the kidneys try to flush out excess sugar).
Excessive hunger, even after meals.
Unexplained weight changes (loss or gain).
Fatigue and irritability.
Blurred vision.
Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections (skin, gums, urinary tract).
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet (a sign of nerve involvement).
Because symptoms may be mild or absent, many people remain undiagnosed until complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or vision problems appear.
How Type 2 Diabetes is Diagnosed
Doctors confirm T2DM through blood tests such as:
Fasting plasma glucose (FPG): ≥126 mg/dL after 8 hours of fasting.
HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin): ≥6.5% indicates average high blood sugar over 2–3 months.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): ≥200 mg/dL two hours after drinking a glucose solution.(Source: American Diabetes Association, 2024 Standards of Care)
Ways to Manage Type 2 Diabetes
Although T2DM is a long-term condition, effective management can prevent or delay complications. Treatment is tailored to each individual but usually combines the following strategies:
Lifestyle Modifications
Healthy Eating:
Emphasize whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Reduce refined carbohydrates and sugary beverages.
Watch portion sizes and spread carbohydrate intake throughout the day.
(Source: ADA Standards of Care, 2024)
Physical Activity:
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (such as brisk walking or cycling) per week.
Include resistance training (weights, bodyweight exercises) twice weekly to improve insulin sensitivity.
(Source: Colberg et al., Diabetes Care, 2016)
Weight Management:
Even a 5–7% reduction in body weight can improve blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications (Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, 2002).
Medications
Metformin is usually the first-line medication; it reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.
Other drug classes include SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which not only lower blood sugar but also support weight management and heart health.
Insulin therapy may be required if blood sugars remain uncontrolled.
(Source: Davies et al., Diabetologia, 2023 – EASD/ADA consensus report)
Monitoring and Regular Checkups
Blood sugar self-monitoring or use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) where appropriate.
Regular testing for HbA1c, kidney function, eye health, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Foot checks to prevent ulcers and infections.
Stress and Sleep Management
Chronic stress and poor sleep can worsen insulin resistance. Mind-body practices like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness have shown benefits for people with T2DM.
Key Takeaways
Type 2 diabetes is common but manageable.
Early recognition of symptoms and timely diagnosis are critical.
A combination of healthy lifestyle changes, appropriate medications, and regular monitoring is the cornerstone of management.
With proper care, many people with T2DM live long, healthy lives and prevent serious complications.
References
American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl. 1).
Colberg SR, et al. Exercise and Type 2 Diabetes: Joint Position Statement. Diabetes Care. 2016;39(11):2065–2079.
Knowler WC, et al. Reduction in the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes with Lifestyle Intervention. NEJM. 2002;346:393–403.
Davies MJ, et al. Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes, 2023. Diabetologia. 2023;66:3–26.