Understanding, managing, and living well with type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin as well as it should. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps cells in the body absorb glucose (sugar) for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels.
If left untreated or poorly controlled, type 2 diabetes can lead to complications such as kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke and amputation. That’s why it is important to see an endocrinologist—a doctor who specializes in glands and the hormones they make—for an accurate, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
Type 2 diabetes is caused by several factors, including lifestyle and genes. You are more likely to develop the condition if you are overweight or obese, physically inactive, or have a family history of diabetes.
Other risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:
- Age 45 or older
- Belonging to a higher-risk ethic group (Hispanic, Asian-American, or Native American)
- A history of gestational diabetes (pregnancy-induced diabetes)
- Having a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds
- Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- High triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)
- Smoking
- Use of certain medications that may interfere with the way insulin works
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Many people with type 2 diabetes experience no symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they develop gradually and may include:
- Frequent bladder or skin infections
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss despite increased hunger
- Blurred vision
- Extreme weakness and fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
Because symptoms may be mild or absent, many people with type 2 diabetes are unaware they have it until complications arise
Why Choose Cooper for Diabetes Care
Cooper is home to South Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive team of diabetes specialists, including board-certified endocrinologists who also serve as faculty at Cooper Medical School at Rowan University. You can count on us for:
- Access to the latest, evidence-based treatments and medications
- An American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recognized self-management and education program
- Shared medical appointments, where small groups of meet with their provider and other team members for follow-up care. These optional group visits offer:
- More time with your doctor
- Counseling and support from additional members of your healthcare team (a nutritionist or health educator, for example)
- A chance to share experiences with others managing type 2 diabetes
- A dedicated support group to share experiences, insights, and information
- A multidisciplinary team approach to care, with streamlined access to expert cardiologists, nephrologists, eye specialists and others, as type 2 diabetes can affect multiple body systems
Related Services
Managing and Treating Type 2 Diabetes
The primary goal of treatment is to keep your blood glucose levels within a healthy range to prevent complications. Self-management is a key part of this and may include:
Blood sugar monitoring
- Daily checks using a glucose meter, which measures blood sugar levels from a small drop of blood
- A1C testing, which provides a 3-month average of your blood glucose levels; recommended at least twice a year or more frequently if needed
Lifestyle changes
- Healthy eating
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes a week)
- Weight loss, as even modest reductions (5-7% of body weight) can significantly improve blood sugar control
- Foot checks to identify any sores or infections early
Medications
While some people can manage their type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise alone, others may need:
- Oral medications
- Injected medications
- Insulin therapy
Schedule an Appointment
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Cooper diabetes expert, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).