What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes in your reports

NIDDK lists diabetes as any one of these:

• HbA1c of 6.5 percent or above
• fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or above
• a 2-hour glucose tolerance result of 200 mg/dL or above

Ranges can vary slightly by lab, and your doctor confirms the diagnosis.

Why type 2 diabetes matters

High sugar over many years quietly damages blood vessels and nerves, raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, foot problems and gum disease.

Many people have mild or no symptoms at first, so it can go unnoticed. When symptoms do appear they include:

• thirst and passing urine often
• hunger and tiredness
• blurred vision
• tingling in the hands or feet
• slow-healing sores

Risk is higher with:

• age over 45
• family history
• extra weight and inactivity
• high blood pressure
• past gestational diabetes

What helps with type 2 diabetes

Food, activity and sleep make a real difference alongside any medicine your doctor prescribes.

At meals:

• Plan meals with plenty of vegetables, dal and protein.
• Keep portions of rice, roti and other starches modest.
• Choose whole grains and millets.
• Drink water instead of sweet drinks.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity on most days. Stop smoking if you smoke, and keep up regular checks of sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, eyes and feet.