Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar, also called glucose. Your cells become resistant to insulin, the hormone that helps sugar move from your bloodstream into your cells for energy. When this happens, sugar builds up in your blood instead of fueling your body.

Your pancreas tries to fix this problem by making more insulin. For a while, this extra insulin keeps your blood sugar in a normal range. Over time, your pancreas can't keep up with the demand. It gets tired and makes less insulin. This is when blood sugar levels start to rise and diabetes develops.

Type 2 diabetes is different from type 1 diabetes, where the pancreas stops making insulin entirely. With type 2, your body still makes insulin but doesn't use it well. This condition develops slowly over years and often shows no symptoms early on. Most people with type 2 diabetes are diagnosed after age 45, but more young adults and children are developing it due to rising obesity rates.

Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms for years. When symptoms do appear, they develop slowly and may include:

• Feeling very thirsty even after drinking fluids
• Urinating more often than usual, especially at night
• Feeling tired and weak throughout the day
• Blurred vision that comes and goes
• Cuts or sores that heal slowly
• Tingling, numbness, or pain in hands or feet
• Frequent infections, especially in the gums or skin
• Unexplained weight loss despite eating normally
• Feeling hungry even after eating
• Patches of dark skin in body folds and creases

Some people feel completely fine and only discover they have type 2 diabetes during routine blood work. This is why regular testing is so important, especially if you have risk factors.

Type 2 diabetes happens when your cells stop responding properly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Several factors increase your risk. Being overweight or obese is the strongest risk factor, especially when you carry extra weight around your belly. Fat cells release substances that make your body less sensitive to insulin. Not getting enough physical activity makes this worse because muscles use less glucose when you're inactive.

Your genes also play a role. If a parent or sibling has type 2 diabetes, your risk goes up. Certain ethnic groups have higher rates, including Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American people. Age matters too. Your risk increases after age 45, partly because people tend to lose muscle and gain weight as they age. Other risk factors include having prediabetes, gestational diabetes during pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Poor sleep, chronic stress, and a diet high in processed foods and added sugars also contribute to insulin resistance.

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure how your body processes sugar. The Hemoglobin A1C test is the most common screening tool. It shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. A result of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests means you have diabetes. A fasting blood glucose test measures your blood sugar after you haven't eaten for at least 8 hours. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

Rite Aid's blood testing panel includes Hemoglobin A1C, insulin, C-peptide, and other biomarkers that reveal how well your body manages blood sugar. These tests show not just if you have diabetes, but also how your body is responding to insulin. Insulin levels tell you if your pancreas is working too hard. C-peptide shows how much insulin your body actually makes. Together, these markers give you a clear picture of your metabolic health. Getting tested twice a year helps you catch problems early and track how well your treatment is working.

Type 2 diabetes treatment focuses on bringing blood sugar levels back to a healthy range. Most people start with lifestyle changes before adding medication. Treatment approaches include:

• Eating a balanced diet with whole foods, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• Limiting refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and processed foods
• Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
• Losing 5% to 10% of body weight if you're overweight
• Taking metformin or other medications to improve insulin sensitivity
• Using GLP-1 medications like semaglutide to control blood sugar and support weight loss
• Checking blood sugar levels regularly to track progress
• Managing stress through sleep, meditation, or counseling
• Working with a doctor or diabetes educator to create a personalized plan
• Monitoring for complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems

Many people with type 2 diabetes can manage or even reverse their condition through consistent lifestyle changes. Medication helps when diet and exercise alone aren't enough. Regular blood testing shows you what's working and what needs adjustment.