Type 2
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells are unable to properly use the insulin. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body, and insulin helps take the sugar from the blood and put it into the cells. While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population. For more information on type 2 diabetes, please review the related questions below.
Questions
Q: "I used to be on Glucophage® and Amaryl®. Since I lost 50 pounds over the past 2 years, my doctor tapered me off of the Amaryl because I was getting too low, and now he said he might consider stopping my Glucophage. My glucose runs around 80-110 before meals and under 140 after meals. I have several questions: What glucose level is too low? At what glucose level is it ok to stop oral medication? If my glucose levels are all normal, then does that mean I don’t have diabetes anymore?"
Sleep and Risk of Diabetes
Q: “Is there any connection between sleep and the risk of getting type 2 diabetes?”
Type 2 and Diabetes Medications
Q: "As a person with type 2 diabetes, I have worked hard to bring down my weight and I also exercise regularly, so why are my blood sugars rising? Does this mean I will need to start taking medication?"
Insulin Resistance
Q: "Could you explain insulin resistance so that I can understand it? This term seems confusing to me."
When do You Add More Medication?
Q: "I've been on diabetes pills for about 1 1/2 months now, and have had my blood glucose numbers fall dramatically (my fasting glucose was at about 170 when I was diagnosed). In the past 2 weeks, however, I have seemed to have "bottomed out," and my fasting reading doesn't drop much below 120 (I check 1st thing in the morning when I wake up). Since I'm doing well with diet and exercise, could this be a sign that I may need more meds? How bad would my numbers have to be to put me on insulin (what I am most trying to avoid)?"
Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes
Q: "I recently found out I have type 2 diabetes and am unclear on what my blood glucose level should be. Also what are the signs I should look out for? I seem to dehydrate myself at times. I get so sick, and it takes days to get over it. I feel fatigue often. How much exercise do I need—my job is very physical—does that count? Do I need to exercise every day and for how long?"
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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