Type 2 Diabetes
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Division of Education
Type 2: Overview
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Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes (DM).
In this form, the body does not produce enough insulin
or the cells ignore the insulin that is produced.
Insulin is required by the body in order to use sugar.
Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.
When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going
into cells, it can cause some problems:
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In the short-term, your cells may be starved for energy
In time, high blood glucose may hurt your eyes, kidneys,
nerves, or heart.
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Insulin
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Inside the pancreas, beta cells make the hormone insulin.
Beta cells release insulin to help the body use or store blood glucose from food.
In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin.
The beta cells have been destroyed and insulin shots are the only way to keep
blood glucose levels down.
People with type 2 diabetes make insulin, but their bodies don't respond well to it.
Only some people with type 2 diabetes need diabetes pills or insulin shots to help
their bodies use glucose for energy.
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Who Gets Diabetes?
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Although diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups have
a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others:
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African Americans
Latinos
Native Americans
Asian American/Pacific Islanders
Aged population
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Conditions that can arise from Type 2 DM
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Hypoglycemia
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Hyperglycemia
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Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
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Hypoglycemia
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Hypoglycemia or low blood glucose (sugar) is a
problem that happens from time to time to
everyone who has diabetes.
It is sometimes referred to as “insulin reaction.”
Although it may be unavoidable at times, it is
important to know how to recognize and treat the
condition immediately before symptoms worsen.
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Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
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Shakiness
Dizziness
Sweating
Hunger
Headache
Pale skin color
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Sudden moodiness or behavior
changes, such as crying for
no apparent reason
Clumsy or jerky movements
Seizure
Difficulty paying attention,
or confusion
Tingling sensations around
the mouth
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Low Blood Glucose
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You should check your blood glucose level according to
the schedule you work out with your doctor.
In addition, you should check your blood glucose any
time you feel low blood glucose coming on.
If you check and observe a low blood glucose level, then
treat for hypoglycemia quickly.
A good rule if you are unable to check is:
“When in doubt, treat.”
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Treating Hypoglycemia
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The quickest way to raise your blood glucose and treat hypoglycemia is with
some form of sugar, such as:
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3 glucose tablets
½ cup of fruit juice
5-6 pieces of hard candy
Once you have checked your blood glucose and treated the hypoglycemia,
wait 15 to 20 minutes and then recheck your blood again.
If your blood sugar is still low and symptoms of hypoglycemia
haven’t went away, repeat treatment.
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Importance of Quick Treatment
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If hypoglycemia is not treated quickly enough, you could pass out.
If you pass out, you will need immediate treatment, such as an injection of
glucagon or emergency treatment in a hospital.
Glucagon, like insulin, is injected.
However, glucagon works to raise blood glucose.
Your doctor can prescribe glucagon and tell you how to use it.
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Importance of Quick Treatment
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If you pass out from hypoglycemia, people should:
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NOT inject insulin
NOT give you food or fluids
NOT put their hands in your mouth
Inject glucagon
Call for emergency help
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Hyperglycemia
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Hyperglycemia is the technical term for high blood glucose.
It happens when the body has too little or not enough insulin or when the
body can’t use insulin properly.
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A number of factors can be the cause of hyperglycemia, including:
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Eating more than planned
Exercising less than planned
The stress of an illness, such as a cold or flu
Other stresses, such as family conflicts or dating problems
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Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
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High blood glucose
High levels of sugar in the urine
Frequent urination
Increased thirst
It is important to monitor blood glucose levels frequently.
If hyperglycemia is detected, treatment should begin immediately.
Failing to treat hyperglycemia could lead to a condition called
ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis occurs when the body doesn’t have enough insulin.
Without insulin, the body can’t use glucose for fuel, so it is left
breaking down fats for energy.
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Hyperglycemia Leading to Ketosis
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Waste products (ketones) are generated as your body breaks down fats.
Large amounts of ketones cannot be tolerated by the body.
So, your body will try to excrete these ketones through the urine.
However, not all will be excreted, causing the remaining to build up in the blood.
This buildup leads to Ketosis.
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Symptoms of Ketosis
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Shortness of breath
Breath that smells fruity
Nausea and vomiting
A very dry mouth
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How to Treat Hyperglycemia
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Exercise is often effective in lowering blood glucose levels.
However, if your blood glucose is above 240 mg/dl, check your urine for ketones.
If they are present, do NOT exercise.
This can actually lead to higher blood glucose levels than prior to beginning
the exercise.
You will need to work with your doctor on finding the best way to lower your blood
glucose level.
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Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome
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Referred to as HHNS
It is a serious condition most frequently seen in older persons.
Can occur in type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but is most commonly seen in type 2.
HHNS is usually brought on by something else, such as an illness or infection
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Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome
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In HHNS, blood sugar levels rise.
Your body tries to rid itself of excess sugar by
passing it through the urine.
Initially, you produce a lot of urine, and you have to
go to the bathroom often.
With time, you may not have to go as often, and the
urine becomes very dark.
You may be very thirsty.
Even if you are not thirsty, it is very important to
consume a lot of liquids to prevent dehydration.
If HHNS continues, severe dehydration can
potentially lead to:
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Seizures, coma, or even death
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Warning Signs of HHNS
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Blood sugar level over 600 mg/dl
Dry, parched mouth
Extreme thirst
(which may gradually disappear)
Warm, dry skin that does
not sweat
High fever
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Sleepiness or confusion
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Loss of vision
Hallucinations
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(seeing/hearing things that aren’t there)
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Weakness on one side of the body
( > 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
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To prevent HHNS
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Check your blood sugar regularly.
It’s best to speak with your doctor about how often you should check your
blood glucose and what your target range should be.
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Importance of Monitoring Blood Glucose
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Keeping your blood glucose in your target range
can help prevent or delay the start of diabetes
complications such as nerve, eye, kidney, and
blood vessel damage.
Once an individual learns that he/she had diabetes,
it is important to work with your health care team to
create a diabetes care plan.
The plan aims to balance the foods you eat
with your exercise, and, possibly, with diabetes
pills or insulin.
There are two types of checks that you can do to
help keep track of how your plan is working:
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Blood glucose checks
Urine ketone checks
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Blood Glucose Monitoring Checks
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This is the main tool you have to check
diabetes control.
The check can tell you your blood glucose
level at any one time.
Keeping a log of results is important.
You can present this log to your health care
provider
The log provides your health care provider
with a good picture of your body’s response to
your diabetes care plan.
Allows to make needed changes, if necessary
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Who Should Check?
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Experts feel that anyone with diabetes can benefit from checking their blood
glucose. The American Diabetes Association recommends blood glucose
checks if you have diabetes and are:
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Taking insulin or diabetes pills
On intensive insulin therapy
Pregnant
Having a hard time controlling your blood glucose levels
Having severe low blood glucose levels or ketones from high blood glucose levels
Having low blood glucose levels without the usual warning signs
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Urine Checks
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Not as accurate as blood glucose checks
Should not be done unless blood testing is impossible
A urine check for ketones is another matter.
This is an important check when your diabetes is out of
control or when you are sick.
When the body is burning fat instead of glucose, you could
expect to find moderate or large amounts of ketones in urine.
Everyone with diabetes should know how to check their urine
for ketones.
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When to Test for Ketones
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Ask your doctor or nurse when to check for ketones. You may be advised to
check for ketones when:
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Your blood glucose is more than 300 mg/dl
You feel nauseated, are vomiting, or have abdominal pain
You are sick (example– with a cold or the flu)
You feel tired all the time
You are thirsty or have a very dry mouth
Your skin is flushed
You have a hard time breathing
Your breath smells “fruity”
You feel confused or “in a fog”
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Tight Control and Diabetes
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The benefit of tight control of blood glucose can
be in the prevention or slower progression of
many complications of diabetes, giving you extra
years of healthy, active life.
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Tight control is not for everyone, and it involves
hard work.
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Tight Control and Type 2 Diabetes
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Much of the previous research on the benefits of tight control
and diabetes has involved type 1 diabetes.
Doctors believe that tight control can also prevent complications in people
with type 2 diabetes as well.
Most people with type 2 diabetes do not take insulin, so it may not be
apparent how such tight control could occur.
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Tight Control and Type 2 Diabetes
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One way is to lose weight.
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Shedding excess pounds may bring your glucose levels down to normal.
The key to losing weight and to keeping it off is behavior change.
Your doctor should work with you to find an eating and exercise plan right for you.
Exercise
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Even without a weight loss, exercise proves beneficial
with blood glucose control.
It makes your cells take glucose out of the blood.
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Tight Control and Type 2 Diabetes
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Blood glucose will need to be checked regularly.
You and your doctor should decide how often.
Once a day or even once a week may be enough for
individuals with type 2 diabetes.
If exercise and eating habits still aren’t enough to keep
glucose in check, your doctor may prescribe pills.
Insulin is prescribed only when diet and exercise, along
with pills prove to be not enough to keep blood glucose
levels under control.
Most importantly, people with type 2 diabetes should talk
with their doctors before starting tight control.
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Tight Control- Not Recommended For:
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Children
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Having enough glucose in the blood is vital for brain
development. Controversy over what is the appropriate age
to start. Some doctors say age 13, others say 7 is fine.
Elderly people
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Hypoglycemia can cause strokes and heart attacks in older
people. Also, the major goal of tight control is to prevent
complications many years later. Tight control is most
worthwhile for healthy people who can expect to live at least
10 more years.
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Tight Control- Not Recommended For:
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Some individuals who already have complications
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For example, individuals with end-stage kidney disease or severe vision
loss probably should not try for tight control. Their complications are likely
to be too far along to receive benefits from tight control.
Some individuals with diseases
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For some with coronary artery disease or vascular disease, tight control
is not indicated.
Individuals with hypoglycemia unawareness
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It would not be safe for these people to attempt tight control.
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Diabetes Medications
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In type 2 diabetes, when the initial treatment options fail
(meal planning, weight loss, and exercise) to control blood
glucose levels, the next step is taking a medicine that
lowers blood glucose levels.
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All diabetes pills sold today in the United States are
members of five classes of drugs:
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Sulfonylureas
Meglitnides
Biguanides
Thiazolidnediones
Aplha-glucosidase inhibitors
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How They Work
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Sulfonylureas:
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Work by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to release more insulin
Have been around since the 1950’s
Are generally taken one to two times a day, before meals
All sulfonylurea drugs have similar effects on blood glucose levels, but they differ in side
effects, how often they are taken, and interactions with other drugs.
Diabinese, Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL, Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta, and Amaryl are
examples of brand names on the market.
Meglitinides
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Also work by stimulating the beta cells to release insulin
Prandin and Starlix are some examples of brand names on the market.
Because sulfonylureas and meglitinides stimulate the release of insulin, it is
possible to have hypoglycemia.
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How They Work
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Biguanides:
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Lower blood glucose by decreasing amount of glucose made in the liver
An example is Metformin, brand name Glucophage.
Metformin also helps to lower blood glucose levels by making muscle tissue more
sensitive to insulin so that glucose can be absorbed.
Usually taken two times a day.
A side effect of Metformin may be diarrhea, but is improved when taken with food.
Thiazolidinediones
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Helps insulin work better in muscle and fat and reduces glucose production in the liver.
Taken once or twice a day with food.
Avandia, Rezulin, and ACTOS are some examples of brand names on the market.
Although effective in lowering blood glucose, thiazolidnediones can have a rare but serious
effect on the liver.
Therefore, your doctor will have to perform blood tests regularly to monitor the liver.
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How They Work
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Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
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These drugs help the body to lower blood glucose levels by blocking the
breakdown of starches, such as bread, potatoes, and pasta in the intestine.
They also slow the breakdown of some sugars, like table sugar.
Their action slows the rise in blood glucose observed after meals.
They should be taken with the first bite of a meal.
Side effects include gas and diarrhea.
Precose and Glyset are examples of brand names on the market.
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Oral Combination Therapy
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Since the 5 classes of drugs at in different ways to lower blood
glucose levels, they may be used in combination.
For example, a biguanide and sulfonylurea could be used together.
There are many other combinations that can be taken together.
Although taking more than one drug can be costly and can increase the risk of
side effects, combining oral medications can improve blood glucose control
compared to taking only a single pill that does not have the desired effects.
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Overview of Diabetes Medications
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Only people with type 2 diabetes can use pills to manage their diabetes.
The pills work best when combined with meal planning and exercise.
Diabetes pills aren’t necessarily for everyone, although most see improvements.
Diabetes pills may stop working after months or years.
This does not mean that your diabetes is worse.
Usually the cause is unknown as to why they quit working.
When this occurs, oral combination therapy usually works best.
If you become pregnant, you will need to control your blood glucose with diet
and exercise, or with diet, exercise, and insulin.
It is not safe for pregnant women to take oral diabetes medications.
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Division of Education
Phillip Brantley, PhD, Director
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Claude Bouchard, PhD, Executive Director
Heli J. Roy, PhD, RD
Shanna Lundy, BS
Beth Kalicki
Edited: October 2009
Division of Education
About Our Company
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The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a world-renowned nutrition research center.
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Mission:
To promote healthier lives through research and education in nutrition and preventive medicine.
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The Pennington Center has several research areas, including:
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Clinical Obesity Research
Experimental Obesity
Functional Foods
Health and Performance Enhancement
Nutrition and Chronic Diseases
Nutrition and the Brain
Dementia, Alzheimer’s and healthy aging
Diet, exercise, weight loss and weight loss maintenance
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The research fostered in these areas can have a profound impact on healthy living and on the prevention of common chronic diseases, such
as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis.
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The Division of Education provides education and information to the scientific community and the public about research findings, training
programs and research areas, and coordinates educational events for the public on various health issues.
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We invite people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the exciting research studies being conducted at the Pennington Center in
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. If you would like to take part, visit the clinical trials web page at www.pbrc.edu or call (225) 763-3000.
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Sites
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All diabetes-related information is from the American Diabetes Association.
Available at: http://www.diabetes.org
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