Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Diagnosis, Adult
Type 2 diabetes (
type 2 diabetes mellitus) is a long-term, or chronic, disease. In type 2 diabetes, one or both of these problems may be present:
Normally, insulin allows blood sugar (glucose) to enter cells in the body. The cells use glucose for energy. Insulin resistance or lack of insulin causes excess glucose to build up in the blood instead of going into cells. This causes high blood glucose (hyperglycemia).
What are the causes?
The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is not known.
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
Having a family member with type 2 diabetes.
Being overweight or obese.
Being inactive (sedentary).
Having been diagnosed with insulin resistance.
Having a history of prediabetes, diabetes when you were pregnant (gestational diabetes), or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
What are the signs or symptoms?
In the early stage of this condition, you may not have symptoms. Symptoms develop slowly and may include:
Increased thirst or hunger.
Increased urination.
Unexplained weight loss.
Tiredness (fatigue) or weakness.
Vision changes, such as blurry vision.
Dark patches on the skin.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, a physical exam, and your blood glucose level. Your blood glucose may be checked with one or more of the following blood tests:
A fasting blood glucose (FBG) test. You will not be allowed to eat (you will fast) for 8 hours or longer before a blood sample is taken.
A random blood glucose test. This test checks blood glucose at any time of day regardless of when you ate.
An A1C (hemoglobin A1C) blood test. This test provides information about blood glucose levels over the previous 2–3 months.
- An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This test measures your blood glucose at two times:
You may be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes if:
Your fasting blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher.
Your random blood glucose level is 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher.
Your A1C level is 6.5% or higher.
Your oral glucose tolerance test result is higher than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L).
These blood tests may be repeated to confirm your diagnosis.
How is this treated?
Your treatment may be managed by a specialist called an endocrinologist. Type 2 diabetes may be treated by following instructions from your health care provider about:
Your health care provider will set treatment goals for you. Your goals will be based on your age, other medical conditions you have, and how you respond to diabetes treatment. Generally, the goal of treatment is to maintain the following blood glucose levels:
Follow these instructions at home:
Questions to ask your health care provider
Consider asking the following questions:
Should I meet with a certified diabetes care and education specialist?
What diabetes medicines do I need, and when should I take them?
What equipment will I need to manage my diabetes at home?
How often do I need to check my blood glucose?
Where can I find a support group for people with diabetes?
What number can I call if I have questions?
When is my next appointment?
General instructions
For help and guidance and for more information about diabetes, please visit:
Contact a health care provider if:
-
Your blood glucose is at or above 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) for 2 days in a row.
-
You have been sick or have had a fever for 2 days or longer, and you are not getting better.
- You have any of the following problems for more than 6 hours:
-
You have severe hypoglycemia. This means your blood glucose is lower than 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L).
-
You become confused or you have trouble thinking clearly.
-
You have difficulty breathing.
-
You have moderate or large ketone levels in your urine.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
-
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a long-term, or chronic, disease. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough of a hormone called insulin, or cells in the body do not respond properly to insulin that the body makes.
-
This condition is treated by making dietary and lifestyle changes and taking diabetes medicines or insulin.
-
Your health care provider will set treatment goals for you. Your goals will be based on your age, other medical conditions you have, and how you respond to diabetes treatment.
-
Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
