Maybe you’ve just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Or maybe you’ve been living with it for awhile.

Here’s the thing: your journey is unique and it starts fresh every day.

No matter where you are with type 2 diabetes, there are some things you should know. It's the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 means that your body doesn't use insulin properly. And while some people can control their blood glucose (blood sugar) levels with healthy eating and exercise, others may need medication or insulin to manage it. 

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

In type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly—this is called insulin resistance  At first, your beta cells make extra insulin to make up for it. Over time, your pancreas can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults but is increasing in young people.

Treatment for people with type 2 diabetes will include healthy eating and exercise. However, your health care provider may need to also prescribe oral and injectable medications (including insulin) to help you meet your target blood glucose levels.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed.

Common symptoms of diabetes:

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet 

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.

Although there are many similarities between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the cause of each is very different. And the treatment is usually quite different, too. Some people, especially adults who are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, may have symptoms similar to type 2 diabetes and this overlap between types can be confusing. Take our Risk Test to find out if you are at increased risk for having type 2 diabetes.

Maybe it’s a different type

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but isn’t responding well to the typical treatments for type 2 diabetes, it may be worth a visit to an endocrinologist to determine what type of diabetes is happening. Generally, this requires antibody tests and possibly the measurement of a C-peptide level.

Gestational diabetes

Women with gestational diabetes often have no symptoms, which is why it's important for at-risk women to be tested at the proper time during pregnancy.

It can be a scary diagnosis, but it’s one that’s fairly common.

Gestational diabetes (GDM)—diabetes during pregnancy—affects up to 9% of pregnancies in the U.S. each year, so know you're not alone. If you are diagnosed, this doesn't mean you had diabetes before pregnancy nor does it mean you'll have it after giving birth. The key is to act swiftly, remain consistent, and stay on top of your condition. GDM is treatable, manageable, and something you can effectively manage. With your health care provider's support, you can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

What We Know About GDM

The exact cause of GDM is unclear and there’s a lot we don’t know. But—we do know that the placenta's hormones, which support the baby's growth, can sometimes block the mother’s insulin, leading to insulin resistance. This makes it harder for the body to use insulin effectively, requiring the mother to produce more. If the body can't produce enough insulin during pregnancy, glucose remains in the blood, leading to high blood glucose (blood sugar).  

No matter the cause, you can work with your health care provider to create a plan that ensures a healthy pregnancy. Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek support—there are many effective ways to manage GDM. 

Protecting You and Your Baby

Take these steps to keep you and your baby healthy: 

Get screened: Early treatment helps prevent health issues for both you and your baby. The key is to act quickly so you can start managing it right away.

Make a treatment plan: Early treatment helps prevent health issues for both you and your baby. Work with your health care team to develop a treatment plan. 

GDM Treatment

Taking quick action is essential. While GDM is treatable, it can pose health risks to both you and your baby if left unmanaged. The primary goal of treatment is to keep your blood glucose levels within a normal range. This may involve special meal plans, regular physical activity, daily blood glucose testing, and insulin injections. Remember, with the right approach and the support of your health care team, you can ensure a healthy pregnancy.