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Type 2 diabetes

What is type 2 diabetes? Get the facts about type 2 diabetes treatment, causes, and symptoms. Plus, learn the differences between type 1 and type 2.

Introduction

You may have heard type 2 diabetes referred to as "adult-onset diabetes." But is it really a disease that only affects adults?

Whether you or someone you love has been recently diagnosed—or you just worry you have some of the risk factors—it’s important to learn the facts about type 2 diabetes. Understand the common causes, risk factors you may or may not be able to control, plus how it's diagnosed, common treatments, and more.  

While educating yourself is a good start, it's important to see your healthcare provider (HCP) to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, family history, and treatment options.

By working together, you can find the answers you need to live an active, fit, and healthy life.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

What role does the pancreas play in diabetes? What exactly is insulin? Can you suddenly develop type 2 diabetes, or does it develop over a long period of time? Get answers to these questions and learn about the roles that prediabetes, weight, physical activity, and diet play in your risk of developing it. Understand which factors may or may not be in your control.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms

Overweight man working out in a gym and looking in the mirror.

Could you have type 2 diabetes and not even know it? Learn what health changes to look for so you can seek help before they develop into something larger. Is increased thirst a sign of diabetes? What about frequent urination, blurred vision, or fatigue? Could there be no obvious signs at all? Read more about type 2 diabetes symptoms and learn when it may be time to talk with your HCP.

Diagnosing type 2 diabetes

Only your HCP can diagnose type 2 diabetes. How is this usually done? What types of blood tests are involved? Learn more about the tests used to determine whether you have type 2 diabetes and what to expect during a visit with your HCP.

Type 2 diabetes treatment

Mother with diabetes cooking healthy foods with her daughter.

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there may be some lifestyle changes involved in your treatment. Will you need to take insulin shots or oral medications? Can you manage the condition with diet and exercise alone? Find out which treatments to expect and how they can help you live a healthier life.

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