--- title: "Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatment | infoMD" description: "Type 2 Diabetes causes increased thirst and frequent urination. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to manage type 2 diabetes with guida" lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Type 2 Diabetes", "alternateName": [ "Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus", "T2DM", "Adult-Onset Diabetes" ], "description": "Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Chronically elevated blood sugar damages blood vessels, nerves, and organs throughout the body.", "associatedAnatomy": { "@type": "AnatomicalSystem", "name": "Digestive" }, "signOrSymptom": [ { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Increased thirst and frequent urination" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Unexplained weight loss" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Blurred vision" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Slow-healing wounds" }, { "@type": "MedicalSignOrSymptom", "name": "Tingling in hands or feet" } ], "possibleTreatment": [ { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Lose 5-10% of body weight if overweight - even modest weight loss improves blood sugar control" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Follow a balanced diet emphasizing vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Limit refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and processed foods" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Exercise at least 150 minutes per week - both aerobic and resistance training are beneficial" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Monitor blood sugar regularly as directed by your healthcare team" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night)" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Metformin - first-line medication that reduces glucose production by the liver" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin) - cause the kidneys to excrete excess glucose" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) - improve insulin secretion and promote weight loss" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin) - help the body produce more insulin after meals" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Sulfonylureas (glipizide, glimepiride) - stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Insulin therapy - may be needed if oral medications don't achieve target blood sugar" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Bariatric (metabolic) surgery - can achieve diabetes remission in eligible patients with obesity" }, { "@type": "MedicalTherapy", "name": "Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) - wearable sensor for real-time blood sugar tracking" } ], "riskFactor": [ { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Overweight or obesity, especially excess abdominal fat" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Family history of type 2 diabetes" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Age 45 or older (risk increases with age)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian American ethnicity" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "History of gestational diabetes" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Prediabetes (fasting blood sugar 100-125 mg/dL)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)" }, { "@type": "MedicalRiskFactor", "name": "History of cardiovascular disease" } ], "typicalTest": "Physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "In many cases, type 2 diabetes can be put into remission - meaning blood sugar levels return to normal without medication. This is most achievable in the early stages of the disease through significant weight loss (often 10-15% of body weight), healthy eating, and regular exercise. Bariatric surgery can also lead to remission. However, ongoing lifestyle management is needed to maintain remission." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. It typically develops in childhood and requires insulin injections for life. Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, usually develops in adults, and can often be managed with lifestyle changes and oral medications, though insulin may eventually be needed." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is type 2 diabetes hereditary?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Genetics play a strong role - having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes significantly increases your risk. However, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and weight have a major influence on whether you actually develop the condition. Many people with genetic risk can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes through healthy habits." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I still eat sugar if I have type 2 diabetes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, but in moderation. Having diabetes doesn't mean you can never eat sugar again. The key is managing total carbohydrate intake and choosing foods that don't cause large blood sugar spikes. Natural sugars in fruits, for example, are generally fine in moderate amounts because they come with fiber and nutrients. Added sugars and sugary drinks should be limited." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How often should I check my blood sugar?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The frequency depends on your treatment plan. If you're on insulin, you may need to check multiple times a day. If you're managing with oral medication and lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend checking a few times a week or primarily relying on A1C tests every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors offer another option for real-time monitoring." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://infomd.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Conditions", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Digestive", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/body-system/digestive" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Type 2 Diabetes", "item": "https://infomd.com/conditions/type-2-diabetes" } ] } ] --- [Skip to main content](#main-content) [![infoMD](/assets/infomd-logo-CtvTblFD.png)](/) [Home](/) [Conditions](/conditions) [Glossary](/glossary)[Shop](/shop) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Conditions](/conditions) 3. [Digestive](/conditions/body-system/digestive) 4. Type 2 Diabetes Digestive [Diabetes](/topics/diabetes)[Nutrition](/topics/nutrition)[Weight Management](/topics/weight-management) # Type 2 Diabetes Also known as: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, T2DM, Adult-Onset Diabetes infoMD Editorial Team January 10, 2025 8 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Ftype-2-diabetes)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Finfomd.com%2Fconditions%2Ftype-2-diabetes&text=Type%202%20Diabetes) ### Quick Facts Type Chronic Affects Adults over 45, those with obesity, family history, or sedentary lifestyles; increasingly seen in younger adults and adolescents Prevalence Approximately 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, with 90-95% being Type 2 Treatable Manageable and sometimes reversible with lifestyle changes and medications See a Specialist Endocrinologist or Primary Care Physician ICD-10 Code E11 ## Overview Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy. When this process breaks down, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) that can damage organs and tissues throughout the body. Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90-95% of all diabetes cases. It typically develops gradually over years, often starting with insulin resistance - a condition where cells in the muscles, liver, and fat don't respond well to insulin. The pancreas compensates by making more insulin, but eventually it can't keep up, and blood sugar levels rise. More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 96 million adults have prediabetes - a condition of elevated blood sugar that often precedes type 2 diabetes. While the condition was once seen primarily in older adults, it is now increasingly diagnosed in younger people, including adolescents, largely due to rising rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. The good news is that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed, and with proper management, people with the condition can live long, healthy lives. ## Symptoms Recognizing the symptoms of type 2 diabetes early can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. ### Early Symptoms - Increased thirst (polydipsia) - Frequent urination, especially at night (polyuria) - Increased hunger despite eating (polyphagia) - Unexplained fatigue - Blurred vision ### Advanced Symptoms - Slow-healing cuts, sores, or frequent infections - Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy) - Darkened patches of skin, usually in the armpits or neck (acanthosis nigricans) - Frequent yeast or urinary tract infections - Unintentional weight loss (as the disease progresses) - Erectile dysfunction in men ### Emergency Warning Signs - Extreme thirst with very high blood sugar readings (above 400 mg/dL) - Confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty staying awake - Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain (possible diabetic ketoacidosis, though rare in type 2) - Very dry mouth, rapid breathing, and fruity-smelling breath - Loss of consciousness When to See a Doctor See a doctor if you experience persistent thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, or blurred vision - especially if you have risk factors like obesity, family history of diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle. Seek emergency care for extremely high blood sugar, confusion, or signs of dehydration. ## Causes & Risk Factors ### Common Causes - Insulin resistance - cells in muscles, fat, and liver don't respond properly to insulin - Insufficient insulin production by the pancreas over time - Excess glucose production by the liver - Beta cell dysfunction - the insulin-producing cells gradually fail - Genetic factors that influence insulin sensitivity and secretion ### Risk Factors - Overweight or obesity, especially excess abdominal fat - Sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity - Family history of type 2 diabetes - Age 45 or older (risk increases with age) - African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian American ethnicity - History of gestational diabetes - Prediabetes (fasting blood sugar 100-125 mg/dL) - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - History of cardiovascular disease ## How It's Diagnosed Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure your blood sugar levels. The most common tests are the A1C test, which shows your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months (diabetes is diagnosed at 6.5% or higher), and the fasting plasma glucose test, which measures blood sugar after an overnight fast (diabetes is diagnosed at 126 mg/dL or higher). A random plasma glucose test can also be used - a reading of 200 mg/dL or higher, combined with symptoms, confirms the diagnosis. Your doctor will often repeat the test on a different day to confirm the diagnosis unless your blood sugar is very high and you have clear symptoms. Once diagnosed, additional tests help assess the impact on your body and guide treatment. These include a lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides), kidney function tests (creatinine, urine albumin), liver function tests, and a comprehensive eye exam to check for diabetic retinopathy. ## Treatment Options ### Lifestyle Changes - Lose 5-10% of body weight if overweight - even modest weight loss improves blood sugar control - Follow a balanced diet emphasizing vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats - Limit refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and processed foods - Exercise at least 150 minutes per week - both aerobic and resistance training are beneficial - Monitor blood sugar regularly as directed by your healthcare team - Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night) ### Medications - Metformin - first-line medication that reduces glucose production by the liver - SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin) - cause the kidneys to excrete excess glucose - GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) - improve insulin secretion and promote weight loss - DPP-4 inhibitors (sitagliptin) - help the body produce more insulin after meals - Sulfonylureas (glipizide, glimepiride) - stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin - Insulin therapy - may be needed if oral medications don't achieve target blood sugar ### Medical Procedures - Bariatric (metabolic) surgery - can achieve diabetes remission in eligible patients with obesity - Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) - wearable sensor for real-time blood sugar tracking ### Complementary Approaches - Cinnamon supplements - some studies suggest modest blood sugar-lowering effects - Berberine - a plant compound with evidence of glucose-lowering properties - Mindfulness and stress reduction - stress hormones raise blood sugar - Chromium picolinate - may improve insulin sensitivity (evidence is limited) ## Living With Type 2 Diabetes Managing type 2 diabetes is a daily commitment, but it becomes easier as healthy habits take root. Blood sugar monitoring - whether through finger sticks or a continuous glucose monitor - provides real-time feedback on how food, activity, stress, and medication affect your levels. Working with a diabetes educator and a registered dietitian can help you build a personalized eating plan that you actually enjoy and can sustain long-term. Carb counting doesn't have to be complicated - the key is learning which foods cause spikes and making consistent choices. Emotional well-being matters just as much as physical management. Diabetes burnout - feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of self-management - is real and common. Taking breaks from perfectionism, setting small achievable goals, and celebrating progress can help sustain motivation. Regular checkups with your healthcare team are essential: A1C tests every 3-6 months, annual eye exams, kidney function tests, and foot exams help catch complications early when they are most treatable. ## Potential Complications - Heart disease and stroke - diabetes doubles cardiovascular risk - Diabetic retinopathy - damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, potentially causing blindness - Diabetic nephropathy - kidney damage that can lead to kidney failure - Peripheral neuropathy - nerve damage causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the extremities - Diabetic foot ulcers and potential amputation - Increased risk of infections - Cognitive decline and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ## Prevention - Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise - Engage in regular physical activity - 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise - Eat a diet rich in whole foods and fiber, low in processed and sugary foods - Get screened regularly if you have risk factors, especially prediabetes - Quit smoking - Manage stress and prioritize adequate sleep ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can type 2 diabetes be reversed? ### What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes? ### Is type 2 diabetes hereditary? ### Can I still eat sugar if I have type 2 diabetes? ### How often should I check my blood sugar? * * * ## Sources 1. Type 2 Diabetes. Mayo Clinic . 2. Type 2 Diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . 3. Statistics About Diabetes. American Diabetes Association . 4. Diabetes. World Health Organization . 5. National Diabetes Statistics Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Medical Disclaimer This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Reviewed By infoMD Editorial Team Last reviewed: March 20, 2025 In This Article [Overview](#overview)[Symptoms](#symptoms)[Causes & Risk Factors](#causes-risk-factors)[How It's Diagnosed](#how-it-s-diagnosed)[Treatment Options](#treatment-options)[Living With Type 2 Diabetes](#living-with-type-2-diabetes)[Potential Complications](#potential-complications)[Prevention](#prevention)[Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)[Sources](#sources) ### Quick Facts Type Chronic Affects Adults over 45, those with obesity, family history, or sedentary lifestyles; increasingly seen in younger adults and adolescents Prevalence Approximately 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, with 90-95% being Type 2 Treatable Manageable and sometimes reversible with lifestyle changes and medications See a Specialist Endocrinologist or Primary Care Physician ICD-10 Code E11 Advertisement Was this page helpful? 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