Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most commonly diagnosed form of diabetes. In type 2, the body either does not produce enough insulin to meet its needs, or the cells do not respond properly to the insulin that is produced.

Insulin is critical in the body's ability to use sugar. Insulin allows movement of glucose (energy) from the blood into the cells of the body. When glucose fails to move into the cells, they lack the energy needed to function properly and glucose builds up in the blood. Glucose build up can, over time, damage the eyes, kidneys, nervous system and/or heart.

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is serious, but does not mean you can't live a long, healthy and happy life. The key is proper monitoring and management of your blood sugar levels.

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar

The tighter control you can keep on your blood glucose, the better you will feel, and the better you will be able to avoid serious, long-term, complications associated with type 2 diabetes.

Your doctor may prescribe, in conjunction with dietary changes, exercise and weight loss, a regimen of diabetes self-testing and monitoring and regular A1C tests. Maintaining blood sugar levels within your target range is very important as it can help prevent or delay the start of complications like nerve, eye, kidney, and blood vessel damage.

Your target range will normally be as close to non-diabetic levels as is safely possible. Regular self-testing, with a quality glucose monitor can help you in your efforts to achieve those goals. The A1C tests your doctors administers will give you a picture of the overall success of your management.

Diabetes Medications

While meal planning, weight loss and exercise in combination with careful monitoring and maintenance are often the first treatment for type 2 diabetes, there are times when this is not enough. The next step in treatment is often medication to lower blood glucose levels.

For specific information on drugs used in treatment of type 2 diabetes, please read our diabetes medication page and consult your doctor.