Diabetes (type 2)
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Key Points
- Body doesn't use insulin well or makes too little
- Leads to high blood sugar (glucose)
- Affects adults, sometimes children
- Can lead to serious health problems
Overview
Type 2 diabetes is a common health condition where your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use the insulin it makes effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar (glucose) from food get into your cells to be used for energy. When this process fails, sugar builds up in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. This condition often develops over time and is strongly linked to lifestyle factors like diet, lack of exercise, and genetics. Being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Managing Type 2 diabetes typically involves lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular physical activity, along with medications. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is also crucial to prevent complications.
Signs and Symptoms
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or sores
- Frequent infections
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Things That Increase the Risk
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of diabetes
- Age (over 40, or 25 for South Asian)
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- History of gestational diabetes
- Certain ethnic backgrounds
Diagnosis
- Blood test (HbA1c)
- Fasting blood sugar test
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
Treatment & Management
- Healthy diet plan
- Regular exercise
- Weight management
- Oral medications
- Insulin injections
- Blood sugar monitoring
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Limit sugary drinks and processed foods
- Regular health check-ups
Available Treatments
Explore our range of treatment options for Diabetes (type 2):
Surgical Options
Learn about surgical procedures available for Diabetes (type 2):
Contents
Quick Info
Affects
Adults, sometimes children
Prevalence
Very common, increasing worldwide
Diagnosis
Blood tests (HbA1c, fasting glucose)
Treatment
Lifestyle changes, medication, insulin
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Vijay Bhat
Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai
Reviewed on July 3, 2026
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