U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention (DDTP)

Type 2 Diabetes Basics

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that can happen at any age. Diabetes affects how your body uses food for energy. Eating nutritious foods, being physically active, and having a healthy weight can help prevent or delay diabetes. These habits can also help control blood sugar (blood glucose) and manage diabetes over time.

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How does type 2 diabetes affect the body?

With type 2 diabetes the body experiences insulin resistance and cannot use insulin properly or does not make enough of it. Sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood instead of going into the cells for energy. This raises blood sugar levels.

Pancreas and small intestine diagram showing that the pancreas makes insulin, which helps glucose move into cells. Normal Cell Function - Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes

Pancreas and small intestine diagram showing that the pancreas makes insulin, which helps glucose move into cells.

Insulin helps glucose enter a cell through an insulin receptor.

Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance, where the cell receptor “resists” insulin, causing glucose (blood sugars) to stay in the blood.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes

Prediabetes
Overweight or obesity
Age 35 years or older
Parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
Physically inactive

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). See MASLD: Should I be screened? [PDF] for more information.
Have had gestational diabetes or have given birth to a baby weighing over 9 lbs

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

Increased thirst, frequent urination, tired most of the time, blurry vision, unexplained weight loss, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Checking for type 2 diabetes

If you have risk factors or symptoms, your provider may suggest screening through a blood sample. They will also help you understand what the results mean.

Diagnosis	A1C	Fasting Glucose	2-hour Plasma Glucose *
Normal Glucose	below 5.7%	99 mg/dL or below	139 mg/dL or below
Pre-diabetes	5.7% to 6.4%	100 to 125 mg/dL	140 to 199 mg/dL
Diabetes **	6.5% or above	126 mg/dL or above	200 mg/dL or above

* During a 75 gm Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.
** Confirmed by two abnormal results.

If you have type 2 diabetes

A healthy lifestyle can help you keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in balance.

Partner with your health care team to put together a diabetes plan that is right for you.

A happy couple walking and holding hands

Managing diabetes in a good way lowers your risk for serious problems with the eyes, heart, nerves, and kidneys.

Working with a diabetes educator can help you stay on track and feel confident managing your diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Basics