Type 2 diabetes

Sources

Every numbered claim on the overview and article pages is listed here with the exact passage it rests on. 128 passages were checked word-for-word against the saved copies listed below.

Pharmacist review pending128 verified passagesUpdated 2026-10-26

Current evidence

1

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. Blood sugar (glucose) is your body's main fuel; insulin, a hormone from the pancreas, 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.

“Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.”
“Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes mainly from the food you eat.”
“helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy.”
“In type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well. Too much glucose then stays in your blood, and not enough reaches your cells.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Type 2 DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
2

Symptoms of diabetes include more thirst and urination, more hunger, tiredness, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, sores that do not heal, and weight loss without trying.

“increased thirst and urination”
“increased hunger”
“feeling tired”
“blurred vision”
“numbness or tingling in the feet or hands”
“sores that do not heal”
“unexplained weight loss”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Type 2 DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
3

Type 2 symptoms often develop slowly over several years and can be so mild you do not notice them. Many people have none.

“Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly—over the course of several years—and can be so mild that you might not even notice them. Many people have no symptoms.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Type 2 DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
4

You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, are 35 or older, have a family history of diabetes, are not physically active, or have prediabetes. It can start at any age, even in childhood.

“You can develop type 2 diabetes at any age, even during childhood.”
“are overweight or have obesity”
“are age 35 or older”
“have a family history of diabetes”
“are not physically active”
“have prediabetes”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Risk Factors for Type 2 DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
5

Several factors cause type 2 diabetes, including overweight, not being physically active, insulin resistance and genes.

“Type 2 diabetes is caused by several factors, including”
“overweight and obesity”
“not being physically active”
“insulin resistance”
“genes”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Type 2 DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
6

Insulin resistance means the cells in your muscles, fat and liver do not respond well to insulin. Blood sugar that is higher than normal but not yet high enough for diabetes is called prediabetes.

“Insulin resistance is when the cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin.”
“When blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes, you have a condition called prediabetes.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
7

If you are at risk, you may be able to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your weight, getting at least 30 minutes of activity such as walking at least 5 days a week, and drinking water instead of sweetened drinks.

“You may be able to prevent or delay diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of your current weight.”
“Move more. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity, such as walking, at least 5 days a week.”
“Drink water instead of sweetened beverages.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Type 2 DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
8

The A1C test shows your average blood sugar over the past 3 months and is the main test used to manage diabetes. Below 5.7 percent is normal, 5.7 to 6.4 percent is prediabetes, and 6.5 percent or above is diabetes.

“The A1C test is a blood test that provides information about your average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past 3 months.”
“The A1C test is also the primary test used for diabetes management.”
“Normal below 5.7 percent”
“Prediabetes 5.7 to 6.4 percent”
“Diabetes 6.5 percent or above”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — The A1C Test & DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
9

Any test used to diagnose diabetes needs a second measurement to confirm it, unless there are clear symptoms of diabetes.

“Any test used to diagnose diabetes requires confirmation with a second measurement, unless there are clear symptoms of diabetes.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — The A1C Test & DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
10

The A1C test can give false results in people with certain conditions, and doctors repeat tests before making a diagnosis.

“The A1C test may give false results in people with certain conditions.”
“Because of these differences in test results, health care professionals repeat tests before making a diagnosis.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — The A1C Test & DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
11

The American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care say diabetes is diagnosed from the A1C or from plasma glucose tests.

“2.1a Diagnose diabetes based on A1C or plasma glucose criteria.”

American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 (Diabetes Care, via PubMed Central) — 2. Diagnosis and Classification of DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
12

The diabetes ABCs are A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol, plus stopping smoking. For most people with diabetes the A1C goal is below 7 percent, but yours may differ; ask your health care team your goal and how often to be tested.

“The diabetes ABCs can help you manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. If you smoke, quitting is also important.”
“For most people with diabetes, their goal is an A1C level below 7%.”
“Your A1C goal may be different if you have other health problems.”
“Ask your health care team how often you should have the test and what your goal should be.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
13

Many people with diabetes aim for 80 to 130 mg/dL before a meal and under 180 mg/dL about 2 hours after a meal starts; ask your team for the range that is healthy for you.

“Talk with your health care team about the blood glucose range that is healthy for you.”
“Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL”
“About 2 hours after a meal starts: less than 180 mg/dL”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
14

You can still eat foods you enjoy, in smaller portions or less often, using a meal plan made with your health care team. Aim for at least 150 minutes of brisk walking or similar activity a week and about 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.

“you can still eat your favorite foods, but you might need to eat smaller portions or enjoy them less often.”
“to create a meal plan that works for you.”
“Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, each week.”
“Most adults should aim for about 7 to 8 hours each night.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
15

Take your medicines as prescribed, even if you feel good or have reached your goals. If you cannot afford them or have side effects, talk with your health care team.

“Take your medicines as they were prescribed, even if you feel good or have reached your blood glucose, blood pressure, or cholesterol goals.”
“Talk with your health care team if you can’t afford your medicines or if you experience any side effects.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
16

Diabetes medicines may include pills or injected medicines such as insulin, and over time you may need more than one.

“you may need diabetes medicines, which may include pills or medicines you inject under your skin, such as insulin.”
“Over time, you may need more than one diabetes medicine to manage your blood glucose.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Type 2 DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
17

A pharmacist can be part of your diabetes health care team and help you with your medicines.

“a pharmacist to help you with your medicines”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
18

For many people with diabetes, low blood sugar means a reading under 70 mg/dL, but your number might differ, so ask your health care team what is low for you.

“For many people with diabetes, this means a blood glucose reading lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).”
“Your number might be different, so check with your doctor or health care team to find out what blood glucose level is low for you.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
19

Low blood sugar is common in people with type 2 diabetes who take insulin or some other diabetes medicines. Two kinds of diabetes pills can cause it: sulfonylureas and meglitinides.

“Low blood glucose is common among people with type 1 diabetes and among people with type 2 diabetes who take insulin or some other diabetes medicines.”
“Two types of diabetes pills can cause low blood glucose”
“sulfonylureas”
“meglitinides”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
20

Not eating enough carbohydrates, skipping or delaying meals, fasting while still taking glucose-lowering medicines, or being much more active than usual can all lower blood sugar.

“If you don’t eat enough carbohydrates or skip or delay any meals, your blood glucose level could drop lower than what is healthy for you.”
“Fasting. Continuing to take medicines that lower your glucose level while fasting for a medical procedure or for other purposes can also increase the risk for low blood glucose.”
“Increasing your physical activity level beyond your usual routine can lower your blood glucose level for up to 24 hours after the activity.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
21

Low blood sugar can make you shaky, hungry, tired, dizzy, confused or irritable. Very low blood sugar can make you lose consciousness or have a seizure, and severe low blood sugar is dangerous and needs to be treated right away.

“shaky or jittery”
“hungry”
“tired”
“dizzy, lightheaded, confused, or irritable”
“lose consciousness”
“have a seizure”
“Severe hypoglycemia is dangerous and needs to be treated right away.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
22

If your blood sugar is low, eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of glucose or carbohydrates right away, such as four glucose tablets. Wait 15 minutes, check again, and repeat if it is still low. Carry a fast-acting carbohydrate with you.

“Eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of glucose or carbohydrates right away.”
“four glucose tablets or one tube of glucose gel.”
“Wait 15 minutes and check your blood glucose level again. If your glucose level is still low, eat or drink another 15 to 20 grams of glucose or carbohydrates.”
“Carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or a juice box, with you.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
23

Glucagon is the best way to treat severely low blood sugar, and your doctor can prescribe a kit. Family and friends should call 911 right away after giving glucagon, or if there is no glucagon kit.

“Glucagon”
“is the best way to treat severely low blood glucose.”
“Tell them to call 911 right away after giving you glucagon or if you don’t have a glucagon emergency kit with you.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
24

The American Diabetes Association says emergency medical services should be called for people who are unalert or unable to take carbohydrates themselves.

“Emergency medical services should be called for people who are unalert or unable to administer carbohydrates.”

American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 (Diabetes Care, via PubMed Central) — 6. Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic CrisesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
25

For most people with diabetes, blood sugar is too high (hyperglycemia) above 180 mg/dL. Very high blood sugar may lead to confusion or fainting and can become a serious medical emergency that must be treated right away.

“When your blood glucose level is too high, it is called hyperglycemia. For most people with diabetes, the blood glucose level is too high when it is above 180 mg/dL.”
“Very high blood glucose may lead to confusion or fainting, and it may become a serious medical emergency that must be treated right away.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
26

Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can include feeling very tired, trouble breathing, fruity-smelling breath, and belly pain, nausea or vomiting.

“Symptoms of DKA may include”
“feeling very tired”
“having trouble breathing”
“having fruity-smelling breath”
“having pain in your abdomen, nausea, or vomiting”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
27

DKA is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away. It mostly affects people with type 1 diabetes, but people with type 2 diabetes can also develop it if their body does not produce enough insulin.

“High levels of ketones can cause DKA, which is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away.”
“People with type 2 diabetes may also develop DKA if their body doesn’t produce enough insulin.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
28

The American Diabetes Association calls DKA and the hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) serious, acute and life-threatening high-blood-sugar emergencies.

“Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and the hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) are serious, acute, and life-threatening hyperglycemic emergencies”

American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 (Diabetes Care, via PubMed Central) — 6. Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic CrisesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
29

Diabetes can damage nerves so you lose feeling in your feet and may not notice a blister or cut, and it can lower blood flow so sores and infections heal poorly.

“Over time, diabetes may cause nerve damage, also called diabetic neuropathy, that can cause tingling and pain, and can make you lose feeling in your feet.”
“you may not feel a pebble inside your sock or a blister on your foot, which can lead to cuts and sores. Cuts and sores can become infected.”
“Not having enough blood flowing to your legs and feet can make it hard for a sore or an infection to heal.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetes & Foot ProblemsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
30

Check your feet every day to spot problems early, wear shoes and socks at all times (not barefoot), and get a foot check at every health care visit.

“Check your feet every day”
“Checking your feet each day will help you spot problems early before they get worse.”
“Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot or in just socks”
“Get a foot check at every health care visit”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetes & Foot ProblemsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
31

Call your health care provider right away for a cut, blister or bruise on your foot that does not start to heal after a few days, skin that becomes red, warm or painful (signs of possible infection), or an infection that turns black and smelly (possible gangrene).

“Call your health care provider right away if you have”
“a cut, blister, or bruise on your foot that does not start to heal after a few days”
“skin on your foot that becomes red, warm, or painful—signs of a possible infection”
“a foot infection that becomes black and smelly—signs you might have gangrene”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetes & Foot ProblemsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
32

Most people with diabetes should see an eye care professional once a year for a complete eye exam, because there are often no warning signs when eye damage first develops.

“Most people with diabetes should see an eye care professional once a year for a complete eye exam.”
“Often, there are no warning signs of diabetic eye disease or vision loss when damage first develops.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetic Eye DiseasePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
33

Call a doctor right away for sudden changes in vision, including flashes of light, many more floaters than usual, or a curtain pulled over your eyes. These can be signs of a detached retina, which is a medical emergency.

“Call a doctor right away if you notice sudden changes to your vision, including flashes of light or many more spots (floaters) than usual.”
“You also should see a doctor right away if it looks like a curtain is pulled over your eyes.”
“These changes in your sight can be symptoms of a detached retina, which is a medical emergency.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetic Eye DiseasePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
34

If you have type 2 diabetes, get tested for kidney disease every year, with blood and urine tests.

“You should get tested every year for kidney disease if you”
“have type 2 diabetes”
“Health care professionals use blood and urine tests to check for diabetic kidney disease.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetic Kidney DiseasePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
35

Adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke, because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control the heart.

“Adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease or stroke as adults without diabetes.”
“High blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetes, Heart Disease, & StrokePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
36

Call 911 right away for chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes, or for shortness of breath. People with diabetes-related nerve damage may not notice any chest pain.

“Call 9-1-1 right away if you have any of these warning signs of a heart attack”
“pain or pressure in your chest that lasts longer than a few minutes or goes away and comes back”
“shortness of breath”
“People with diabetes-related nerve damage may not notice any chest pain.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetes, Heart Disease, & StrokePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
37

Call 911 right away for stroke warning signs such as sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side, confusion or trouble talking, or trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.

“Call 9-1-1 right away if you have any of these warning signs of a stroke, including sudden”
“weakness or numbness of your face, arm, or leg on one side of your body”
“confusion, or trouble talking or understanding”
“trouble seeing out of one or both eyes”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetes, Heart Disease, & StrokePassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
38

A 2021 expert consensus report defines type 2 diabetes remission as an A1C below 6.5 percent, measured at least 3 months after stopping glucose-lowering medicine.

“This group proposed “remission” as the most appropriate descriptive term, and HbA1c <6.5% (48 mmol/mol) measured at least 3 months after cessation of glucose-lowering pharmacotherapy as the usual diagnostic criterion.”
“Remission should be defined as a return of HbA1c to <6.5% (<48 mmol/mol) that occurs spontaneously or following an intervention and that persists for at least 3 months in the absence of usual glucose-lowering pharmacotherapy.”

Diabetes Care, American Diabetes Association (via PubMed Central; Europe PMC full-text copy) — Consensus Report: Definition and Interpretation of Remission in Type 2 Diabetes (Riddle et al., 2021)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
39

The same report calls "cure" a problematic word because it suggests no follow-up or further management is needed. Remission implies diabetes may not always be active, but that the improvement may not be permanent.

“The term cure seems especially problematic in suggesting that all aspects of the condition are now normalized and that no clinical follow-up or further management will be needed”
“It strikes an appropriate balance, noting that diabetes may not always be active and progressive yet implying that a notable improvement may not be permanent.”
“The term reversal is used to describe the process of returning to glucose levels below those diagnostic of diabetes, but it should not be equated with the state of remission.”

Diabetes Care, American Diabetes Association (via PubMed Central; Europe PMC full-text copy) — Consensus Report: Definition and Interpretation of Remission in Type 2 Diabetes (Riddle et al., 2021)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
40

Even in remission, diabetes complications of the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart can still occur. People in remission should keep having eye screening, kidney tests, foot checks, blood pressure and weight checks and ongoing A1C monitoring, at least yearly.

“Even after a remission, the classic complications of diabetes—including retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease—can still occur”
“people in remission from diabetes should be advised to have regular retinal screening, tests of renal function, foot evaluation, and measurement of blood pressure and weight in addition to ongoing monitoring of HbA1c.”
“should be done at least yearly thereafter”

Diabetes Care, American Diabetes Association (via PubMed Central; Europe PMC full-text copy) — Consensus Report: Definition and Interpretation of Remission in Type 2 Diabetes (Riddle et al., 2021)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
41

Ask your health care team whether to adjust your meal plan, activity or medicines in special situations such as being sick, fasting or travelling.

“Ask your health care team if you should adjust your meal plan, activity level, or medicines in special situations, such as when you are sick, fasting, at school, planning to travel”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
42

Ask your team whether any of your diabetes medicines can cause low blood sugar and how to prevent and treat it, and work with them to adjust your plan as needed.

“Ask your team if any of your diabetes medicines can cause low blood glucose and how you can prevent and treat symptoms. Work with your doctor or health care team to adjust your diabetes management plan as needed.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy
43

If you often have low blood sugar, your meal plan, activity plan or medicines may need to change, which is a decision for your health care team.

“If you often have low blood glucose levels, you may need to change your diabetes meal plan, physical activity plan, or medicines.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy
44

If you smoke, vape or use other tobacco, stop, and ask for help so you do not have to do it alone.

“If you smoke, vape, or use other tobacco products, stop. Ask for help so you don’t have to do it alone.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing DiabetesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

Source documents

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Type 2 Diabetes
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · page date Last reviewed May 2017 · SHA-256 646109c39a8c1a5f…
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · SHA-256 5a0a62f453609ee4…
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · page date Last reviewed July 2022 · SHA-256 9caf0ce8d53fdd41…
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — The A1C Test & Diabetes
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · SHA-256 01babdaa89106434…
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Managing Diabetes
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · page date Last reviewed October 2023 · SHA-256 e756289d89eb29c9…
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · page date Last reviewed July 2021 · SHA-256 b4c6b4d12aeff72d…
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetes & Foot Problems
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · SHA-256 0154503d9137dfdf…
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetic Eye Disease
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · SHA-256 bc4742530e54e515…
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetic Kidney Disease
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · SHA-256 57b912ba8d206dac…
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK, U.S. National Institutes of Health) — Diabetes, Heart Disease, & Stroke
Saved 2026-10-26 · download · SHA-256 43fc06f3ac3e1f47…
American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 (Diabetes Care, via PubMed Central) — 2. Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes
Saved 2026-10-26 · download (PMC page, saved text; ADA license: short quotations for education only) · page date Diabetes Care 2026;49(Suppl 1):S27–S49 · SHA-256 e0d4c42ff7a691dd…
American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 (Diabetes Care, via PubMed Central) — 6. Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic Crises
Saved 2026-10-26 · download (PMC page, saved text; ADA license: short quotations for education only) · page date Diabetes Care 2026;49(Suppl 1) · SHA-256 fa3460af3bcd7b37…
Diabetes Care, American Diabetes Association (via PubMed Central; Europe PMC full-text copy) — Consensus Report: Definition and Interpretation of Remission in Type 2 Diabetes (Riddle et al., 2021)
Saved 2026-10-26 · download (Europe PMC full-text XML of PMC8929179, converted to plain text) · page date Diabetes Care 2021;44(10):2438–2444 · SHA-256 a83739faa7670785…

Historical perspective: Dr. Majid Ali archive

Historical perspective from web-archive copies of pages associated with Dr. Majid Ali's former website; authorship is not independently verified. Shown for context; it is not current medical guidance.

Dr. Ali's Diabetes Reversal Guidelines 2016-06-04 (web-archive copy)
A page presenting a seven-part "integrative program" for "reversing" type 2 diabetes. Authorship of this web-archive copy is not independently verified. The reversal claim and the program are not carried.
Two Subtypes of Diabetes Type 2 (2A and 2B) 2016-06-04 (web-archive copy)
A page that divides type 2 diabetes into "subtype 2A" and "subtype 2B" using insulin profiles. Authorship of this web-archive copy is not independently verified. The subtype scheme is not carried.
A1c Test Is Unreliable for Diabetes Screening 2016-06-04 (web-archive copy)
A page arguing that the A1C test should no longer be used to diagnose diabetes and that insulin-profile tests are better. Authorship of this web-archive copy is not independently verified. The claim is not carried.
Hypoglycemia: Diagnosis and Treatment 2016-06-04 (web-archive copy)
A page on low blood sugar that calls the use of sugar tablets or dextrose "a truly bad practice" and recommends a special breakfast and protein snacks instead. Authorship of this web-archive copy is not independently verified. These treatment claims are not carried.
Don't Have Random Insulin Test, Please! It Is Unreliable 2016-06-04 (web-archive copy)
A page about blood insulin tests and an "insulin profile for optimal metabolic status", used in place of standard diabetes tests. Authorship of this web-archive copy is not independently verified. The insulin-profile approach is not carried.

Claims we deliberately did not carry

The claim that type 2 diabetes can be "reversed" by following a program of eating, supplements and other measures, so that it is "lost".
Expert consensus uses the word remission: an A1C below 6.5 percent at least 3 months after stopping glucose-lowering medicine.³⁸ It is not a cure: follow-up is still needed and complications can still occur.³⁹⁴⁰ Meanwhile the advice is to take medicines as prescribed and to talk with your health care team about any change.¹⁵ Not carried.
The claim that diabetes should be stopped by telling "subtype 2A" (too much insulin) from "subtype 2B" (too little) and treating each differently.
The official pages used here describe type 2 diabetes as one condition in which the body does not make enough insulin or does not use it well,¹ with insulin resistance as one cause,⁵⁶ and give one self-care framework (the ABCs) without any "2A" or "2B" labels.¹² Not carried.
The claim that the A1C test is unreliable for diagnosing diabetes and should be replaced by insulin-level or insulin-profile tests.
NIDDK describes the A1C as the primary test used for diabetes management and the American Diabetes Association lists A1C as a diagnostic criterion.⁸¹¹ NIDDK does note that the A1C can be false in people with certain conditions, which is why doctors repeat tests or use other glucose tests, not insulin-level tests.⁹¹⁰ Not carried.
The claim that treating low blood sugar with sugar tablets or dextrose is "a truly bad practice", and that a special breakfast and protein snacks are the answer.
NIDDK's advice is the opposite: eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of glucose or carbohydrates right away, such as glucose tablets, and carry a fast-acting carbohydrate; glucagon is the best treatment for severe lows.²²²³ Not carried.
The claim that a special breakfast or a protein-and-fat "load" diet, checked with insulin profiles, is how diabetes is reversed.
Official advice is a meal plan made with your health care team, with portions and activity that suit you.¹⁴ Remission is judged by a measured A1C after medicine is stopped, and it is not a cure.³⁸³⁹ Not carried.
The claim that bowel, blood and liver "detox" is part of reversing diabetes.
The official self-care plan is the ABCs, a meal plan, physical activity, enough sleep and medicines taken as prescribed.¹²¹⁴¹⁵ Detox is not part of it. Not carried.

Safety wording awaiting sign-off

The 'When to get help now' list is ProperHealth safety wording. Each line cites the official guidance it follows, and those passages are listed above with the other claims. The wording still needs pharmacist sign-off before public use.