Published for educationPharmacist review of the clinical pages is in progress. General health education, not personal medical advice.What this means
ProperHealth.care

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes: what it is, and what to do

What type 2 diabetes is, the A1C test, managing day to day, low and high blood sugar, yearly checks, and why remission is not a cure.

Pharmacist review pending128 verified passagesUpdated 2026-10-26

What type 2 diabetes is

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Blood sugar (glucose) is your body's main fuel, and insulin moves it into cells. In type 2 diabetes the body does not make enough insulin or does not use it well, so too much glucose stays in the blood.1 Symptoms such as thirst, tiredness, blurred vision and sores that do not heal can develop slowly, and many people have none.23

What happens in type 2 diabetes

A simplified illustration based on NIDDK.

  1. Glucose is fuel

    Blood sugar is the body's main source of energy.1

  2. Insulin opens the door

    A hormone from the pancreas moves glucose into cells.1

  3. Insulin falls short

    Not enough is made, or it is not used well.16

  4. Sugar builds up

    Too much glucose stays in the blood.1

Risks and prevention

Overweight, age 35 or older, a family history, being inactive and prediabetes raise the risk.4 Insulin resistance means the cells respond poorly to insulin.6 If you are at risk, losing 5 to 7 percent of your weight and walking at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week, may prevent or delay diabetes.7

What raises and lowers the risk

Raises the risk

  • Overweight; a family history of diabetes.4
  • Not being physically active; prediabetes.4
  • Age 35 or older.4

Helps lower it

  • Losing 5 to 7 percent of your weight, if overweight.7
  • At least 30 minutes of walking, 5 days a week.7
  • Water instead of sweetened drinks.7
Type 2 diabetes can start at any age, even in childhood.4

The A1C test

The A1C shows your average blood sugar over 3 months.8 Diagnosis is confirmed with a second measurement unless symptoms are clear.9 It can give false results in people with certain conditions, so doctors repeat tests and may use other glucose tests.10 Most people with diabetes aim for an A1C under 7 percent, but your goal may differ.12

What the A1C result means

A1C resultWhat it means
Below 5.7 percentNormal.8
5.7 to 6.4 percentPrediabetes.8
6.5 percent or aboveDiabetes.8

A second measurement confirms the diagnosis unless symptoms are clear.9

Managing day to day

Your care plan includes a meal plan, about 150 minutes of activity a week and 7 to 8 hours of sleep.14 Many people aim for 80 to 130 mg/dL before a meal and under 180 mg/dL about 2 hours after one; ask your team for your range.13 Take medicines as prescribed, even if you feel well.15 If you smoke, stop.44

  • Insulin, sulfonylureas and meglitinides can cause low blood sugar.19
  • Skipped meals, too few carbohydrates, fasting on medicines and extra activity can lower it.20
  • Ask your team before big changes in eating, fasting or activity.4143

Low and high blood sugar

Low blood sugar can cause shakiness, hunger, dizziness or confusion, and severe lows can cause fainting or a seizure.21 Treat a low with 15 to 20 grams of glucose or carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes and check again.22 Very high blood sugar can also become a medical emergency.25 Diabetic ketoacidosis is an emergency that needs treatment right away.262728

If blood sugar is low

Based on NIDDK. Ask your team what is low for you.

  1. Check

    Under 70 mg/dL is low for many people; yours may differ.18

  2. Treat

    Eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of glucose or carbohydrates right away.22

  3. Wait 15 minutes

    Check again, and repeat if still low.22

  4. Emergency

    Passed out or cannot treat it: call 911.2324

Severe low or ketoacidosis signs need emergency help. Others should call 911 if you pass out or cannot treat a low yourself.2324

Checks that catch problems early

Diabetes can damage nerves and blood flow in the feet,29 and adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke.35 See an eye professional once a year,32 get kidney tests every year,34 and check your feet every day.30

Checks that catch problems early

CheckHow often
Dilated eye examOnce a year for most people.32
Kidney test (blood and urine)Every year with type 2 diabetes.34
Foot checkEvery visit; look at your feet every day.30
A1C testAsk your team how often, and your goal.12

Remission is not a cure

A 2021 expert report defines remission as an A1C below 6.5 percent at least 3 months after stopping glucose-lowering medicine.38 It advises against calling this a cure, because follow-up is still needed.39 Complications can still occur, so eye, kidney, foot and blood pressure checks continue, at least yearly.40

What remission means, and what it does not

What it means

  • A1C below 6.5 percent at least 3 months after stopping glucose-lowering medicine.38
  • Diabetes may not always be active.39

What it does not mean

  • It is not a cure; follow-up is still needed.39
  • Eye, kidney, nerve and heart complications can still occur.40
Testing continues at least yearly after remission.40
Never stop diabetes medicines on your own. Any change belongs to you and your clinician.1538

What to do this week

  1. Ask for your A1C goal

    And how often to be tested.12

  2. Book your yearly checks

    Dilated eye exam and kidney test.3234

  3. Look at your feet daily

    Wear shoes and socks at all times.30

  4. Review your medicines

    Ask which can cause low blood sugar.42

When to get help now

Each warning sign cites the official guidance behind it. The wording still needs pharmacist sign-off.

  • Very low blood sugar: you pass out, have a seizure, or cannot treat it yourself — it needs treatment right away; others should call 911.212324
  • Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis: very tired, trouble breathing, fruity-smelling breath, belly pain, nausea or vomiting — a medical emergency that needs treatment right away.2627
  • A foot cut, blister or bruise that does not start to heal after a few days, or red, warm, painful skin — call your health care provider right away.31
  • Sudden vision changes, flashes of light, many new floaters or a curtain over your eyes — call a doctor right away; it can be a medical emergency.33
  • Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness, confusion or trouble talking — call 911 right away.3637

Every numbered marker links to the exact passage it rests on. Check the sources.