Type 2 diabetes affects millions of Americans.1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 38 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and about one in five don’t know they have it. Across Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Nevada, about 7.6%–11.3% of adults live with diagnosed diabetes.” 2
WHAT IS DIABETES?
When you eat food, your body breaks most of it down into sugar. It then flows through your bloodstream. When your blood sugar rises, your pancreas releases insulin. This allows your cells to receive the sugar and use it as energy.3
Some people’s bodies don’t make enough insulin or don’t use it well enough. This causes a buildup of too much sugar in the bloodstream, which can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. 3
SYMPTOMS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
Type 2 diabetes often starts with small changes in how you feel. At first, you may not realize these changes are linked to a health problem, but it’s important to take note if you experience them. Some of the signs of type 2 diabetes may include4:
- Urinating frequently
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Sores that heal slowly
- Very dry skin
These symptoms can appear slowly.3 Some people notice them, but others think they’re just signs of getting older or feeling stressed.
RISK FACTORS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
While anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, some people are at a significantly higher risk due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Here are some of those risk factors: 1
Being age 45 or older
Age is one risk factor of developing type 2 diabetes that nobody can control. Recent data shows the majority of adults with type 2 diabetes are 45 years and older. 5
Being overweight or having obesity
Losing weight is never as easy at it sounds, but it is a powerful way to reduce the risk of diabetes. A Diabetes Care article says, “There is strong and consistent evidence that obesity management can delay the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes ...”6
Even losing 10-15 pounds can have a positive effect on blood sugar.7
Having a family history of diabetes
Another risk factor outside of your control is a family history of diabetes. If you have parents or siblings with the disease, your risk goes up.
Not getting enough exercise
Physical activity is a huge component of lowering your risk for developing diabetes. Exercise helps lower your insulin resistance. You don’t have to spend a ton of time in the gym to see positive results; Go for a 30-minute brisk walk five days a week to help reduce your risk!8
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES
If you notice symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. A simple blood test—like fasting blood sugar, an A1C, or a glucose tolerance test—can show if you have diabetes or are at risk.
Regular doctor visits may help you identify issues before you experience symptoms. When you stay on top of your health screenings, you can make changes before developing many diseases.
TYPE 2 DIABETES TREATMENT
Getting a diabetes diagnosis can be scary, but you can also use it as the starting point for taking charge of your health. Your provider will work with you on a plan that often includes:
Healthy lifestyle changes
Eating a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and reaching a healthy weight can improve blood sugar control. It’s also important to get enough sleep and take care of your mental health. 9
Medications
Your doctor can prescribe you medication to help keep your blood sugar in check. 9 It’s important to continue taking any recommended prescriptions even if you start to feel better.
Monitoring
Regularly checking your blood sugar at home can help you manage your diabetes. By keeping track of your readings, you can show your doctor how well your medications and lifestyle changes are working.
LIVE YOUR HEALTHIEST LIFE POSSIBLE
Select Health is committed to supporting our members and our communities in making healthy choices. With a large network of qualified providers and an emphasis on preventive care, we encourage our members to make their health a priority.
Explore Select Health plans to find the right coverage for your and your family’s needs.
Information on this page is not considered medical advice. Please contact your primary care provider for specific medical care guidance and recommendations.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
References:
1 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-2-diabetes
2 https://diabetes.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/adv_2024_state_fact_sheets_2_20_25_final_co.pdf
https://diabetes.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/adv_2024_state_fact_nevada.pdf
3 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/index.html
4 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/index.html
5 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html
6 https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/47/Supplement_1/S145/153942/8-Obesity-and-Weight-Management-for-the-Prevention
7 https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/weight-management/extra-weight-extra-risk
8 https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/understand-your-risk-for-diabetes
9 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes
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