Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the body does not use insulin properly or cannot produce enough insulin, leading to high blood glucose levels. It can often develop gradually without noticeable symptoms. Unmanaged type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications. However, in many cases it can be delayed or prevented.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most commonly diagnosed type of diabetes, accounting for over 90% of all people with diabetes. The primary indicator of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance – when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter the cells and be used for energy.
Insulin resistance causes blood glucose levels to rise, prompting the release of more insulin. This cycle can eventually exhaust the pancreas, resulting in the body producing less insulin which further raises blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia).
What makes type 2 diabetes different
Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes:
- Is not an autoimmune condition.
- Develops when the body still produces insulin but does not use it effectively.
- Is often linked to insulin resistance.
- Usually develops gradually over time.
- Can often be delayed or prevented.
Why type 2 diabetes is a global health challenge
Type 2 diabetes affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and has a major impact on individuals, families, health systems and economies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Alarmingly, an estimated 4 in 10 of all people living with diabetes are undiagnosed – most have type 2 diabetes. If not diagnosed and managed early, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.
Changes in nutrition and physical activity related to rapid development and urbanisation have led to sharp increases in people with type 2 diabetes worldwide. Previously, mainly older adults developed the condition. However, due to rising levels of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diet in children, adolescents and younger adults, type 2 diabetes is also increasing in these age groups.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
The signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop gradually and are often mild or absent.
The symptoms are similar to those for type 1 diabetes and include:
- Excessive thirst and dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Lack of energy, tiredness
- Slow healing wounds
- Recurrent skin infections
- Blurred vision
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
These symptoms can often go unnoticed, so people with type 2 diabetes may live with the condition for several years before being diagnosed. By the time of diagnosis, one or more complications may already be present.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
A combination of genetic, biological, lifestyle and environmental factors increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
These include:
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Increasing age
- High blood pressure
- Ethnicity (certain ethnicities such as Asian, Black and Hispanic adults are at higher risk)
- Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT, also known as prediabetes)
- History of diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- Poor nutrition during pregnancy
From prediabetes to type 2 diabetes
Prediabetes, or intermediate hyperglycaemia, is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but below the threshold for diagnosing diabetes. Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but not everyone with prediabetes will progress to the condition. Blood glucose levels can remain stable or return to a healthy range with healthy habits and appropriate support.
Learn more about prediabetes.
Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can, in many cases, be delayed or prevented. Healthy nutrition and increased physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, along with regular health checks can help reduce the risk of developing the condition. Early awareness of individual risk provides an opportunity to take action and support long-term health.
Managing type 2 diabetes
Managing type 2 diabetes can include adopting healthy habits, oral medications, insulin and other injectable therapies. Management plans vary depending on individual needs and can change over time.
Healthy lifestyle and daily management for type 2 diabetes
Healthy habits are the foundation of type 2 diabetes management. Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco, and regular health checks support maintaining a healthy weight and keeping blood glucose levels within the recommended range, reducing the risk of complications. Some people may also need medication as part of their diabetes management plan.
The benefits of physical activity
When people with diabetes exercise regularly, their cells become more responsive to insulin, which helps to keep blood glucose levels within the recommended range. Studies examining the benefits of physical activity on blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes show that, although any form of exercise is beneficial, specific activities and their timing can significantly improve health.
Learn more about physical activity
Healthy nutrition
For people living with type 2 diabetes, a healthy and balanced diet that includes all major food groups is important to help keep blood glucose levels within the recommended range, maintain a healthy weight and delay or avoid diabetes-related complications.
Learn more about healthy nutrition.
Weight management
In people who are overweight, modest and sustainable weight loss – such as losing 5% to 7% of body weight – can help keep blood glucose levels within the recommended range and reduce the risk of complications. Effective weight management should focus on achievable, long-term changes, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and continued support.
Medication
When healthy habits are not enough to manage blood glucose levels, oral medication, often referred to as oral agents, are prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes. If a single medication is insufficient, combination therapy options may be prescribed.
Learn more about oral medicines
When healthy habits and oral medication are not sufficient, people with type 2 diabetes may be prescribed non-insulin injectables (GLP-1 & GIP) or insulin injections to manage their condition.
Learn more about non-insulin injectables
Learn more about insulin
Glucose monitoring
Glucose monitoring can help people with type 2 diabetes understand how food, medication, physical activity, stress and illness affect their blood glucose levels in real time. This information allows them to make informed management decisions and keep their blood glucose levels within the recommended range to help prevent dangerous high and low levels and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
There are three main types of glucose monitoring:
- Fingerstick monitoring, which uses a blood sample from the fingertip to provide a single glucose value, generated with a blood glucose meter, at a specific moment in time.
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which uses a small sensor worn on the body to measure glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night.
- Flash glucose monitoring, which is similar to CGM but typically requires the scan of a sensor with a reader or smartphone to view glucose data.
Learn more about glucose monitoring
Type 2 diabetes resources
Guideline
IDF Global Clinical Recommendations for Type 2 Diabetes Management
These Clinical Practice Recommendations incorporate the latest evidence and advancements in diabetes care and provide a structured yet adaptable framework for healthcare professionals, ensuring they are equipped with practical guidance tailored to diverse clinical settings.
link to https://idf.org/what-we-do/education/idf-clinical-practice-recommendations-for-type-2-diabetes-2025/
Download
Policy brief
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: a Joint Approach to Halt the Rise
A policy brief by IDF and World Obesity Federation that provides diabetes and obesity advocates, healthcare professionals and policymakers with recommendations on the actions required to prevent, manage and treat both conditions effectively.
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Policy Brief
pdf
2MB
Online course
Type 2 diabetes - Oral agents fact-checking
A free IDF School of Diabetes online course for healthcare professionals that provides a customised set of modules on the management of type 2 diabetes using oral glucose-lowering agents.
link to https://www.idfdiabeteschool.org/premium-courses/t2dm-oral-agents-fact-checking
Online course
Type 2 Diabetes and the Heart
This free 30-minute course explores the impact of diabetes on heart health, focusing on how high glucose levels can affect the blood vessels and lead to heart issues.
link to https://understandingdiabetes.org/type-2-diabetes-heart/en
Access the course
