What is Type 2 Diabetes?Type 2 Diabetes means the amount of glucose, a form of sugar, in your blood is higher than normal and you are atrisk for many serious health problems.Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and usually occurs in adults after the age of 40. However,because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, like being inactive and making poor food choices, you can get Type 2diabetes at any age. Being overweight increases your risk.Type 2 Diabetes means your body has become resistant to a hormone called insulin, which means the cells of yourbody no longer respond easily to insulin.Because of this you need more insulin to get the job done. At first, your body responds and produces more insulin,but overtime your body may not produce enough insulin to help.Insulin is important because it works like a key to open your cells. With insulin’s help, your body can move theglucose, or sugar, out of your bloodstream and into the cells where it can be used for energy now, or stored for lateruse.But when you have Type 2 Diabetes the glucose can’t enter your cells to be used. With nowhere to go, it stays inyour bloodstream, traveling all around your body and causing problems along the way.In fact, long-term damage to your body, including your heart may already be taking place. Your risk for heart attack,stroke, circulation problems, kidney disease, eye disease, nerve disease and amputation are all increasing.Type 2 Diabetes can be scary, and confusing. It can affect many different parts of your body and leave you feelingoverwhelmed.But you can take control and help reduce your risk of developing complications by keeping your blood glucose in ahealthy range and reducing insulin resistance.Your diabetes care team is there to help you every step of the way. Members of your care team may include yourdoctor, nurse, registered dietitian, exercise specialist, pharmacist, podiatrist, ophthalmologist, social worker andcounselor or psychologist – all of whom may be certified diabetes educators, or CDE’s.Together, you will decide on a blood glucose range that is right for you, based on your health, age, activity level andother factors. When you check your glucose at home with your meter, this is the goal you’re aiming for.You will also set an a1c goal. When you get your blood tests done at a lab, your a1c number tells your healthcarePage 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCDB1000395 EN WhatIsType2Diabetes.pdf© The Wellness NetworkWhat is Type 2 Diabetes?provider how well your glucose has been controlled over the last couple of months.Once you know your numbers and have set your goals, you can take steps to get your glucose levels in a healthyrange and keep them there.There are many reasons why you may develop Type 2 Diabetes. Family history, age and even ethnicity play apart.But being overweight is key. The more fat you carry, especially around your abdomen or stomach area, the moreresistant your cells become to insulin.So with the help of your diabetes care team, begin to make lifestyle changes to lose weight. Start by makinghealthy food choices.Regular physical exercise will also help you lose weight.The biggest improvement in blood glucose levels comes with a 5-7% loss of body weight so that’s a good goal tostart with.And work with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood glucose level and take any medications that youare prescribed to further control your blood glucose level.Type 2 Diabetes means you have too much glucose, a form of sugar, in your blood. If you don’t make changesnow the extra glucose in your bloodstream will continue to do damage to your body and you will develop seriouslong-term health problems.Instead, take control now. Work with your diabetes care team to reach your blood glucose goals and improveyour overall health for today and for your future.Page 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCDB1000395 EN WhatIsType2Diabetes.pdf© The Wellness Network
