Diabetes Basics

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Having type 2 diabetes means that your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or doesn’t properly use the insulin your body makes. Insulin, which is made in your pancreas, helps your body’s cells use sugar from your bloodstream, which comes from foods and drinks. Sugar is a source of energy for cells.

With type 2 diabetes, high levels of sugar build up in your blood. This can lead to serious health problems. That’s why lowering blood sugar is key to managing diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar under control lowers your risk for health problems later. High blood sugar can harm your organs and raise your risk of heart disease.

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes. This form often affects children, but adults can develop it, too. In this form of diabetes, the body can’t make insulin. The immune system by mistake attacks the cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin. As these cells die, blood sugar levels rise. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin shots.



• Type 2 diabetes. This Web site focuses on type 2 diabetes, which is rising fast in the US. It accounts for most diabetes cases. In type 2 diabetes, your body probably still makes insulin, but your body’s cells can’t use it well. This is called insulin resistance. Over time, high levels of sugar build up in the bloodstream. Being overweight and inactive increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.



• Gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes occurs in some pregnant women. It can cause problems during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Women who get gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Millions of people have a condition called pre-diabetes. They have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be called diabetes.

Life with type 2 diabetes

Managing type 2 diabetes means making some changes to how you live. Talk with your doctor about which changes are right for you. For example, it helps to:

• Eat healthy.



• Lose weight if your doctor says you should.



• Be more active.



• Test your blood sugar regularly.



• Have your doctor check your A1c (your average blood sugar over the past two to three months).



• Take one or more medicines as prescribed by your doctor.



• Quit smoking.

The more you learn about type 2 diabetes, the healthier you can be. Learn about a FREE support program that can help you manage your diabetes.

Also of Interest

Do you know the facts about type 2 diabetes? Take the quiz.

See how type 2 diabetes develops in the body.