E D U C A T I O N

DIABETES

D I A B E T E S

Learning About Type 2 Diabetes

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that develops when the body's tissues cannot use insulin properly. Over time, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells use sugar (glucose) for energy. It also helps the body store extra sugar in muscle, fat, and liver cells.
  • Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use sugar from your food as energy. Type 2 diabetes happens when your body can't use insulin the right way or when the pancreas can't make enough of it. If you don't have enough insulin, too much sugar stays in your blood.
  • Without insulin, the sugar cannot get into the cells to do its work. It stays in the blood instead. This can cause high blood sugar levels. A person has diabetes when the blood sugar stays too high too much of the time. Over time, diabetes can lead to diseases of the heart, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes.
  • If you are overweight, get little or no exercise, or have type 2 diabetes in your family, you are more likely to have problems with the way insulin works in your body.
  • You may be able to control your blood sugar by losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting daily exercise. You may also have to take insulin or other diabetes medicine.
  • Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong disease, But it can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle, which includes staying at a healthy weight, making smart food choices, and getting regular exercise.

What can you expect with type 2 diabetes?

You'll keep hearing about how important it is to keep your blood sugar within a target range. That's because over time, high blood sugar can lead to serious problems. It can:
  • Harm your eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
  • Damage your blood vessels, leading to heart disease and stroke.
  • Reduce blood flow and cause nerve damage to parts of your body, especially your feet. This can cause slow healing and pain when you walk.
  • An immune system that's weak and less able to fight infections.
  • When people hear the word "diabetes," they often think of problems like these. But daily care and treatment can help prevent or delay these problems. The goal is to keep your blood sugar in a target range. That's the best way to reduce your chance of having more problems from diabetes.

What are the symptoms?

You experience most symptoms of type 2 diabetes when your blood sugar is either too high or too low.
The most common symptoms of high blood sugar include:
  • Thirst.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Weight loss.
  • Blurry vision.
The symptoms of low blood sugar include:
  • Sweating.
  • Shakiness.
  • Weakness.
  • Hunger.
  • Confusion.

How can you prevent type 2 diabetes?

The best way to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes is to adopt healthy habits, which include:
  • Staying at a healthy weight.
  • Exercising regularly.
  • Eating healthy foods.
  • How is type 2 diabetes treated?
  • If you have type 2 diabetes, here are the most important things you can do.

Take your diabetes medicines.

Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends. Also, get a hemoglobin A1c test at least every 6 months. Try to eat a variety of foods and to spread carbohydrate throughout the day. Carbohydrate raises blood sugar higher and more quickly than any other nutrient does. Carbohydrate is found in sugar, breads and cereals, fruit, starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn, and milk and yogurt. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Walking is a good choice.

You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports. See your doctor for checkups and tests on a regular schedule. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, take the medicines as prescribed by your doctor. Do not smoke. Smoking can make health problems worse. This includes problems you might have with type 2 diabetes. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
  • How can you care for yourself at home?
    • Keep your blood sugar at a target level (which you set with your doctor).Eat a good diet that spreads carbohydrate throughout the day. Carbohydrate—the body's main source of fuel—affects blood sugar more than any other nutrient. Carbohydrate is in fruits, vegetables, milk, and yogurt. It also is in breads, cereals, vegetables such as potatoes and corn, and sugary foods such as candy and cakes.
    • Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week. Walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports.
    • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
    • Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends. It is important to keep track of any symptoms you have, such as low blood sugar, and any changes in your activities, diet, or insulin use.
    • Talk to your doctor before you start taking aspirin every day. Aspirin can help certain people lower their risk of a heart attack or stroke. But taking aspirin isn't right for everyone, because it can cause serious bleeding.
    • Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
    • Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure at normal levels. You may need to take one or more medicines to reach your goals. Take them exactly as directed. Do not stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor first.
  • When should you call for help?

    Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:


    You passed out (lost consciousness), or you suddenly become very sleepy or confused. (You may have very low blood sugar.)

    Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:


    Your blood sugar is 300 mg/dL or is higher than the level your doctor has set for you.

    You have symptoms of low blood sugar, such as:


    • Sweating.
    • Feeling nervous, shaky, and weak.
    • Extreme hunger and slight nausea.
    • Dizziness and headache.
    • Blurred vision.
    • Confusion.

    Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

    • You often have problems controlling your blood sugar.
    • You have symptoms of long-term diabetes problems, such as:New vision changes.
    • New pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands or feet.
    • Skin problems.
Care instructions adapted under license by Alliance In Health Diabetes Control Center. This care instruction is for use with your licensed healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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U N D E R S T A N D I N G   D I A B E T E S

Understanding Diabetes

Information You Should Know

Simply stated, patients with diabetes are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease.
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D I A B E T E S   R I S K   C A L C

Type 2 Diabetes Self-Assessment

Take this quick and simple test to find out if you're at risk of type 2 diabetes. Please note, this tool may not be accurate for anyone undergoing treatment for diabetes.

C A R E   I N S T R U C T I O N S

Type 2 Diabetes: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions.

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that develops when the body's tissues cannot use insulin properly. Over time, the pancreas cannot make enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells use sugar (glucose) for energy. It also helps the body store extra sugar in muscle, fat, and liver cells.

Without insulin, the sugar cannot get into the cells to do its work. It stays in the blood instead. This can cause high blood sugar levels. A person has diabetes when the blood sugar stays too high too much of the time. Over time, diabetes can lead to diseases of the heart, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes.

You may be able to control your blood sugar by losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting daily exercise. You may also have to take pills or insulin shots (or both).

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
  • How can you care for yourself at home?
    • Keep your blood sugar at a target level (which you set with your doctor). Eat a good diet that spreads carbohydrate throughout the day.
    • Carbohydrate—the body's main source of fuel—affects blood sugar more than any other nutrient. Carbohydrate is in fruits, vegetables, milk, and yogurt. It also is in breads, cereals, vegetables such as potatoes and corn, and sugary foods such as candy and cakes.
    • Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week. Walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports.
    • Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
    • Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends. It is important to keep track of any symptoms you have, such as low blood sugar, and any changes in your activities, diet, or insulin use.
    • Talk to your doctor before you start taking aspirin every day. Aspirin can help certain people lower their risk of a heart attack or stroke. But taking aspirin isn't right for everyone, because it can cause serious bleeding.
    • Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
    • Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure at normal levels. You may need to take one or more medicines to reach your goals. Take them exactly as directed. Do not stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor first.
  • When should you call for help?

    Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

    You passed out (lost consciousness), or you suddenly become very sleepy or confused. (You may have very low blood sugar.)


    Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

    Your blood sugar is 300 mg/dL or is higher than the level your doctor has set for you.

    You have symptoms of low blood sugar, such as:


    • Sweating.
    • Feeling nervous, shaky, and weak.
    • Extreme hunger and slight nausea.
    • Dizziness and headache.
    • Blurred vision.
    • Confusion.

    Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

    • You often have problems controlling your blood sugar.
    • You have symptoms of long-term diabetes problems, such as:New vision changes.
    • New pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands or feet.
    • Skin problems.
Care instructions adapted under license by Alliance In Health Diabetes Control Center. This care instruction is for use with your licensed healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
LEARN MORE

O R A L   T H E R A P Y

Oral Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions.

People with type 2 diabetes have two problems that lead to high blood sugar. Their bodies don't make enough insulin to control their blood sugar. And their bodies don't respond well to insulin when it is present. Oral medicines for type 2 diabetes can raise your insulin. They also help your body use insulin better. You take these drugs by mouth. Sometimes they are combined with insulin.

Some examples of these medicines are:

Sulfonylureas

These help the body make more insulin. They include glipizide and glyburide.

Meglitinides

These also help your body make insulin. They include nateglinide and repaglinide.

Metformin

This lowers how much glucose your liver makes. And it helps you respond better to insulin.

Thiazolidinediones

These also reduce the amount of blood glucose. They also help you respond better to insulin. These medicines include pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors

These keep starches from breaking down. This means that they lower the amount of glucose absorbed when you eat. They include acarbose and miglitol.

DPP-4 Inhibitors

These help the body make more insulin. They also help the body make less of a hormone that raises blood sugar. They include linagliptin, saxagliptin, and sitagliptin.

Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors

These help to remove extra glucose through your urine. They may also help some people lose weight. These medicines are also called SGLT2 inhibitors. They include canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin.

You may take one or more of these drugs. You and your doctor can choose the best ones for you. If pills can't control your blood sugar, you may need to use medicine that you take as a shot. These include amylinomimetics, incretin mimetics, and insulin.

You may need to use insulin for a short time if you get sick or need surgery. Drugs that you take by mouth may not control blood sugar when your body is stressed.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
  • How can you care for yourself at home?
    • Eat a healthy diet. Get some exercise each day. This may help you to reduce how much medicine you need.
    • Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, or supplements without talking to your doctor first. Some medicines for type 2 diabetes can cause problems with other medicines or supplements.
    • Tell your doctor if you plan to get pregnant. Some of these drugs are not safe for pregnant women.
    • Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Sulfonylureas or meglitinides can cause your blood sugar to drop very low. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
    • Check your blood sugar levels often. You can use a glucose monitor. Keeping track of blood glucose levels can help you know how certain foods, activities, and medicines affect your blood sugar. And it can help you keep your blood sugar from getting so low that it's not safe.
  • When should you call for help?

    Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

    You passed out (lost consciousness), or you suddenly become very sleepy or confused. (You may have very low blood sugar.)


    You have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as:

    • Blurred vision.
    • Trouble staying awake or being woken up.
    • Fast, deep breathing.
    • Breath that smells fruity.
    • Belly pain, not feeling hungry, and vomiting.
    • Feeling confused.

    Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

    • You are sick and cannot control your blood sugar.
    • You have been vomiting or have had diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
    • Your blood sugar stays higher than the level your doctor has set for you.

    You have symptoms of low blood sugar, such as:

    • Sweating.
    • Feeling nervous, shaky, and weak.
    • Extreme hunger and slight nausea.
    • Dizziness and headache.
    • Blurred vision.
    • Confusion.

    Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

    • You have a hard time knowing when your blood sugar is low.
    • You have trouble keeping your blood sugar in the target range.
    • You often have problems controlling your blood sugar.

    You have symptoms of long-term diabetes problems, such as:

    • New vision changes.
    • New pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands or feet.
    • Skin problems.
Care instructions adapted under license by Alliance In Health Diabetes Control Center. This care instruction is for use with your licensed healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
LEARN MORE

S I C K - D A Y

Diabetes Sick-Day Plan: Care Instructions

S.I.C.K Chart

Your Care Instructions.

If you have diabetes, many other illnesses can make your blood sugar go up. This can be dangerous. When you are sick with the flu or another illness, your body releases hormones to fight infection. These hormones raise blood sugar levels and make it hard for insulin or other medicines to lower your blood sugar.

Work with your doctor to make a plan for what to do on days when you are sick.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
  • How can you care for yourself at home?
    • Work with your doctor to write up a sick-day plan for what to do on days when you are sick. Your blood sugar can go up or down, depending on your illness and whether you can keep food down. Call your doctor when you are sick, to see if you need to adjust your pills or insulin.
    • Write down the diabetes medicines you have been taking and whether you have changed the dose based on your sick-day plan. Have this information ready when you call your doctor.
    • Eat your normal types and amounts of food. Drink extra fluids, such as water, broth, and fruit juice, to prevent dehydration.If your blood sugar level is higher than the blood sugar level your doctor recommends (for example, above 240 milligrams per deciliter [mg/dL]), drink extra liquids that do not contain sugar, such as water or sugar-free cola.
    • If you cannot eat your usual foods, drink extra liquids, such as soup, sports drinks, or milk. You may also eat food that is gentle on the stomach, such as crackers, gelatin dessert, or applesauce. Try to eat or drink 50 grams of carbohydrate every 3 to 4 hours. For example, 6 saltine crackers, 1 cup (8 ounces) of milk, and ½ cup (4 ounces) of orange juice each contain about 15 grams of carbohydrate.
    • Check your blood sugar at least every 3 to 4 hours. If it goes up fast, check it more often. And check it even through the night. Take insulin if your doctor told you to do so. If you and your doctor did not have a sick-day plan for taking extra insulin, call him or her for advice.
    • If you take insulin, check your urine or blood for ketones. This is especially important if your blood sugar is high.
    • Do not take any over-the-counter medicines, such as pain relievers, decongestants, or herbal products or other natural medicines, without talking with your doctor first.
    • Do not drive. If you need to see your doctor or go anywhere else, ask a family member or friend to drive you.
  • When should you call for help?

    Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

    • You passed out (lost consciousness), or you suddenly become very sleepy or confused. (You may have very low blood sugar.)
    • You have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as:Blurred vision.
    • Trouble staying awake or being woken up.
    • Fast, deep breathing.
    • Breath that smells fruity.
    • Belly pain, not feeling hungry, and vomiting.
    • Feeling confused.

    Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

    • You are sick and cannot control your blood sugar.
    • You have been vomiting or have had diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
    • Your blood sugar stays higher than the level your doctor has set for you.
    • You have symptoms of low blood sugar, such as: Sweating. Feeling nervous, shaky, and weak. Extreme hunger and slight nausea. Dizziness and headache. Blurred vision. Confusion.

    Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

    • You have a hard time knowing when your blood sugar is low.
    • You have trouble keeping your blood sugar in the target range.
    • You often have problems controlling your blood sugar.
    • You have symptoms of long-term diabetes problems, such as:New vision changes.
    • New pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands or feet.
    • Skin problems.
Care instructions adapted under license by Alliance In Health Diabetes Control Center. This care instruction is for use with your licensed healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
LEARN MORE

P E R S O N A L I Z E D   E D .

Diabetes Educators Available to Guide You

There is a lot to know when you or a loved one has diabetes. Our diabetes educators, available at all AIHDCC locations, are there to help you with getting the information you need. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity during your visit with the provider to find out how to: 
  • Monitor your glucose including how to choose the best testing devices and process for you.
  • Use diabetes medications
  • Maintain foot health
  • Know the symptoms of eye conditions caused by diabetes
  • Plan meals
  • One-on-one sessions are available to help you and your family design a diabetes-management plan tailored to your individual needs. Plus, this service is covered by Medicare and other insurance providers.
Learn more about what a diabetes educator can do for you and then be sure to include a session with your next visit.