Have Questions About Type 2 Diabetes? We’ve Got Answers.

These answers to commonly asked questions about type 2 diabetes in adults can help you understand and manage your condition. Why not also make a list of the questions you'd like to discuss with your doctor at your next visit?

During the visit, you may want to ask your doctor about possible prescription treatment options.
Learn about 2 prescription medicines; then talk with your doctor to see if one of these treatments may be right for you.

I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. What now?

When you’ve just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and sometimes even a little scared. The first thing you can do is to get informed. Learn as much as you can about managing your type 2 diabetes. Then, ask your doctor or healthcare provider to answer your questions about managing your type 2 diabetes. Next, take action from what you’ve learned by watching what you eat, getting enough exercise, and talking to your doctor about possible treatment options.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a medical condition in which your body does not make enough insulin, and the insulin that your body produces does not work as well as it should. Your body can also make too much sugar. When this happens, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood.

It's important to understand your blood sugar levels and lower your blood sugar to the goal determined by you and your doctor.

High blood sugar can be lowered by diet and exercise, and by certain medicines when necessary.

Talk to your healthcare provider about how to prevent, recognize, and take care of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and problems you have because of your diabetes.

What are the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)?

Symptoms of low blood sugar include shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat, change in vision, hunger, headache, and change in mood. Treatment typically includes raising your blood sugar level with a fast-acting form of sugar.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include high levels of sugar in the urine, frequent urination, and increased thirst. High blood sugar can be lowered by diet and exercise, and by certain medicines when necessary.

It's important to check your blood sugar levels often. Ask your doctor how often you should check and what your blood glucose levels should be.

What are those blood sugar numbers all about?

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been diagnosed for several years, you need to know certain numbers to help you better manage your type 2 diabetes, including your FPG (early-morning blood sugar), your PPG (after-meal blood sugar), and your A1C. Two of these tests are done at home and the third is done by your doctor. Ask your doctor when you should monitor your blood sugar.

What is early-morning blood sugar (FPG)?

Your FPG tells you how your body processes sugar from your liver. Each morning when you wake up, and before you eat, you should check your morning blood sugar—also called "fasting" blood sugar. Your doctor will tell you what your fasting blood sugar (FPG) should be. The American Diabetes Association recommends a reading between 70 mg/dL and
130 mg/dL. Remember to tell your doctor your numbers.

What is after-meal blood sugar (PPG)?

Your PPG tells you how your body is processing the foods you eat. Two hours after you eat, you should check your blood sugar again. For most adults, the PPG should be less than 180 mg/dL. But check with your doctor to find out what's right for you. As you watch your diet more carefully, you'll be able to compare how different foods affect your after-meal blood sugar. Remember to share your numbers with your doctor.

What is an A1C level?

Your A1C level is a measure of your blood sugar over time and is a result of your fasting blood sugar and your after-meal blood sugar. Your doctor does this important test every 3 months, and will discuss with you what your target A1C should be. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C level under 7%. If your A1C is too high, your doctor may want you to make changes to your diet, your exercise program, or your medicine. Your doctor may add another medicine to help lower your A1C level.

What are the recommended ranges for my 3 blood sugar numbers?

It is very important to manage all 3 of your blood sugar numbers. This chart will give you an idea of what your numbers should be. Ask your doctor what numbers are right for you. Remember to tell your doctor your numbers.

Here are the American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recommended ranges for all
3 blood sugar numbers:

Morning blood sugar (FPG)..........70–130 mg/dL
After-meal blood sugar (PPG).......less than 180 mg/dL
A1C...............................................less than 7%

Lowering your blood sugar to the goal provided by your doctor may require the help of healthy eating, exercise, and sometimes medicine. Work with your doctor to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your blood sugar numbers on goal.