Type 2 Diabetes Basics Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body can’t properly process glucose into energy. This happens when the body doesn’t use the hormone insulin correctly and/or the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin to reduce the glucose in your blood. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, tailor-made management (e.g., classes, support appointments, medication options) is available. The earlier you act, the better the results of your efforts! Did You know? Glucose, a type of carbohydrate, is the primary energy source for cells. Insulin is a hormone that works like a key to allow glucose entry into cells. More than 38 million adults in the U.S. have diabetes. About 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know they have it. About one in 10 Americans live with diabetes. Around 90-95% of those individuals live with type 2 diabetes. Fasting Blood Glucose Test Your routine physical exam will show a glucose level in your Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. <99 mg/dL: normal 100-125 mg/dL: indicates possible prediabetes* ≥126 mg/dL: indicates possible type 2 diabetes* *Your provider may run additional blood work to verify diagnosis. What’s Your Risk? Type 2 diabetes is mainly the result of poor insulin uptake and production. Though the exact cause is unknown, there are factors that can increase your risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Modifiable Risk Nonmodifiable Risk Weight: Being overweight or obese. Fat Distribution: Fat stores mainly in the abdominal area, compared to the hips and thighs, can increase risk. Waist Circumference:There is a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes with a waist circumference >40 inches in men and >35 inches women. Sedentary Lifestyle: If you are inactive, you are at greater risk. Physical activity and routine exercise help control weight and increase insulin sensitivity (reduces insulin resistance for better glucose uptake). Following the Standard American Diet: Typically choosing highly processed foods, starches and sugars over lean meats, vegetables and whole grains. LOWHDLHIGHLDL Cholesterol Levels: Low levels of HDL (“healthy” cholesterol) and high levels of LDL (“lousy” cholesterol) increase your risk. Family History: If a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes, you are at higher risk. Race and Ethnicity: Black, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander and Asian individuals are at increased risk – though a cause is unknown. 35 Age: Risk increases with age, especially after age 35. Prediabetes: Higher than normal blood sugars, though not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, or if behavior change like improved nutrition and increased physical activity are not incorporated into your routine, it can lead to type 2 diabetes. Pregnancy-related Risks: If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and/or give birth to a child weighing more than nine pounds, you are at increased risk. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): If you have PCOS, you are at increased risk. Symptoms Type 2 diabetes develops over a few years and is considered a long-term disease. Screening is recommended every year once you are 35 years old or if you have two or more symptoms. Talk to your health care provider if you think you may be at higher risk or if you are showing any of these signs: Increased thirst Frequent urination Increased hunger Unintended weight loss Fatigue/tiredness Blurred or changes in your vision Slow-healing cuts, scrapes or injuries Frequent infections Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and on the neck Possible Complications Type 2 diabetes affects multiple major organs and can lead to other health problems. It is a serious diagnosis that requires continuous care. Complications are not guaranteed with a diagnosis and can be reduced or avoided through proper management. If diagnosed, look out for: Heart and blood vessel disease Nerve damage Kidney disease Eye damage Skin conditions Slow healing Hearing problems Sleep apnea Dementia References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – “Type 2 Diabetes” Mayo Clinic – “Type 2 Diabetes” American Diabetes Association (ADA) – American Diabetes Association: Professional Publications
