Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Learning Center

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Welcome

Type 2 diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. It occurs when the body does not respond correctly to insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is the most common f...

Basic Info

Symptoms
Often, people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all. If you do have symptoms, they may include: Increased thirst...
Causes
Diabetes is caused by a problem in the way your body makes or uses insulin. Insulin is needed to move glucose (blood su...
Tests
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with the following blood tests: Fasting blood glucose level - diabetes is diagnosed if hig...
Treatments
The first goals are to eliminate the symptoms and stabilize your blood glucose levels. The ongoing goals are to prevent...
Drugs
Peakless, or basal-action insulin (insulin glargine, or Lantus) starts working in 15 minutes and has a duration of betw...
Supplements
  • Aloe
  • aloe vera
  • Aloe vera plant
Alternative Therapies
For additional information, see diabetes resources.
Risk Factors
  • African Americans
  • Age more than 45 years
  • High blood cholesterol and/or triglycerides
Complications
Emergency complications include diabetic coma. Long-term complications include: Diabetic retinopathy (eye disease; Diab...
Prevention
Everyone over 45 should have blood glucose checked at least every 3 years. Regular testing of random blood glucose shou...
Doctor Specialties
Call your health care provider immediately if you have: Trembling; Weakness; Drowsiness; Headache; Confusion; Dizziness...

Basic Info

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