Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body controls blood glucose. With type 2 diabetes, the body is resistant to the effects of insulin — a hormone that manages how glucose enters the cells. The body often doesn’t produce enough insulin either.

 Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include intense thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. Over time, it can lead to organ damage, including the eyes, kidneys, and nerves that lead to the feet, as well as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. While there is no cure for type 2 diabetes, it can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes — such as eating a proper diet, exercising, regularly monitoring blood glucose, and maintaining a healthy weight.


Condition Kitchen: Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Chef Daniel Green and Dr. Joseph Feuerstein prepare delicious and nutritious recipes for people living with diabetes, including Suzanne Sheridan, who discusses her emotional journey to finding foods that can be both flavorful and healthy.
Condition Kitchen: Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Common Questions & Answers

Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?

Type 2 diabetes is not reversible, but it can go into remission, meaning your blood sugar levels return to normal without medication for at least three months. Some people can achieve this by following a weight management plan and monitoring their blood glucose.

Early symptoms can be so mild that you don’t even notice them. However, they may include increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, blurry vision, and slow-healing wounds. You might also have tingly, painful, or numb hands and feet.

Insulin resistance is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes. Genetics, excess belly and organ fat, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet may lead to insulin resistance. Stress, certain medications, and hormone disorders can also contribute.

Avoid foods that contain too much saturated fat, which may increase cholesterol, as well as foods with too much sodium, which can increase blood pressure, since these both increase the risk of heart problems in people with diabetes. Sugary foods and sodas can complicate blood glucose control.

Doctors diagnose type 2 diabetes using blood tests. These may include an A1C test, a fasting plasma glucose test, and a glucose tolerance test. Ask your doctor about testing if you have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes due to your body weight or family history.

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Resources
  1. Type 2 Diabetes. Mayo Clinic. February 27, 2025.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes. Cleveland Clinic. November 8, 2023.

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