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Type 2 Diabetes

Learn more about type 2 diabetes and how it is treated.

Diabetes and Endocrinology menu
Overview
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Overview

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that develops when the body either does not properly use the insulin it produces, or the body is not able to produce enough insulin.

When you have type 2 diabetes, your cells do not respond to insulin properly. This means your body cannot keep normal glucose levels, so your pancreas makes more insulin. Eventually, your pancreas cannot keep up, and glucose builds up in your blood, causing complications.

Diagnoses, treatment and management of type 2 diabetes takes place in our Diabetes Clinic.

Our care

Learn more about the specialized care provided at Mount Sinai Hospital for Diabetes and Endocrinology.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes usually come on gradually over time. Some people with type 2 diabetes may not notice any signs for years and only find out they have type 2 diabetes through screening (using blood tests), or when they start having health problems related to their diabetes.  

Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:  

  • Feeling more thirsty or hungry than usual  
  • Having to urinate often, especially at night
  • Blurry vision
  • Feel unwell, unusual fatigue or unexplained weight loss
  • Frequent infections
  • Sores or wounds that heal slowly
  • A tingling sensation in your hands and feet

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests:  

  • A1C test: Measures your blood sugar levels over two to three months
  • Glucose tolerance test: Measures your blood sugar before and after drinking a sugary liquid
  • Random blood test: Measures your blood sugar levels at a random time
  • Fasting blood sugar test: Measures your blood sugar after you have had nothing to eat or drink overnight 
Treatment

Treatment

There is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes, such as staying active and eating well, are an important part of managing your condition. If you are overweight, losing some weight can help control your blood glucose levels.  

Our certified diabetes educator can guide you in managing your blood glucose levels. They can suggest the right tools, diet and lifestyle changes to manage your condition.

If exercise and a healthy diet are not enough, you may need medication like insulin.  

Insulin therapy

Insulin therapy means giving yourself insulin injections using an insulin pen or syringe. This will help your body get the right amount of insulin it needs to work properly.  

Medication

There are several medications used to manage type 2 diabetes including the following:

  • Metformin: Lowers the amount of glucose your liver produces and makes your cells more sensitive to insulin
  • SGLT2-inhibitors: Blocks the return of glucose to the blood stream
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists: Help slow down your digestion and lower your blood sugar DPP4-inhibitors: Helps lower your blood sugar
  • Insulin Secretagogues: Helps the body produce more insulin
  • Thiazolidinediones: Makes your body more sensitive to insulin

You may also be prescribed other medications to lower blood pressure or cholesterol.