Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Sumiran Racherla, MD. Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Type 2 Diabetes?
A primary care doctor, such as a family doctor or an internal medicine doctor, often treats type 2 diabetes. An endocrinologist, a doctor who treats hormone problems such as diabetes, can also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is type 2 diabetes?
We cover type 2 diabetes here, which is the most common type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. It helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy. With type 2 diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin well. Too much glucose then stays in your blood, and not enough reaches your cells. Over time, too much glucose in your blood can cause health problems. You can take steps to manage your diabetes.
Symptoms
Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all. If symptoms appear, they develop slowly over several years. They can be so mild that you do not notice them. Symptoms can include:
- Feeling very thirsty and peeing more often.
- Feeling very hungry.
- Feeling tired.
- Blurred vision.
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands.
- Sores that do not heal.
- Losing weight without trying.
Some people learn they have type 2 diabetes only when a health problem it causes appears, such as blurred vision or heart disease.
Causes and who gets it
Type 2 diabetes has several causes:
- Being overweight or having obesity.
- Not being physically active.
- Genes and family history.
- Insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance means your cells do not respond normally to insulin. At first, your body makes more insulin. Over time, it cannot make enough, and your blood glucose rises. You can get type 2 diabetes at any age, even in childhood. It happens most often in middle-aged and older people. You are more likely to get it if you are 45 or older. A family history of diabetes or having overweight or obesity also raises your chance. Prediabetes also raises your risk. It means your blood glucose is high for you but not high enough to be called diabetes. Your risk is also higher if you are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider uses blood tests to diagnose type 2 diabetes. These tests include:
- The A1C test, which measures your average blood glucose level over the past 3 months.
- The fasting plasma glucose test, which measures your current blood glucose level. You fast, which means no food or drink except water, for at least 8 hours first.
- The random plasma glucose test, which measures your current blood glucose level. It is used when you have symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for type 2 diabetes means managing your blood glucose levels. Many people can do this with a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle includes a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity. Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, and quitting smoking if you smoke, also helps. Some people also need medicine. Medicines for diabetes include pills, insulin, and other injected medicines. Over time, you may need more than one diabetes medicine. Even if you do not take insulin, you may need it at special times. Examples are pregnancy or a hospital stay. You will need to check your blood glucose regularly, and your provider will tell you how often. If diabetes is not managed, it can cause heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, foot problems, and eye disease.
When to see a doctor
Many people have no symptoms. You are more likely to get type 2 diabetes if you are 45 or older or have a family history of diabetes, so talk with a doctor about your risk. See a doctor if you have blurred vision, numbness or tingling in your feet or hands, or sores that do not heal. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if someone with diabetes faints or is suddenly confused. Do the same for trouble breathing or severe belly pain.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. You work with your health care team to create a diabetes care plan that works for you. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be part of that team. Such a doctor can follow your progress and refer you to a specialist.
Common questions
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Yes, you can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Lose weight if you are overweight, eat fewer calories, and be more active. Losing 5 to 7 percent of your weight may help. Get at least 30 minutes of activity, such as walking, 5 days a week.
Can children get type 2 diabetes?
Yes, children, teenagers, and younger adults can get type 2 diabetes. It is more common in middle-aged and older people.
Do people with type 2 diabetes need insulin?
Not always, because many people can manage type 2 diabetes with a healthy lifestyle. Others take medicines, which may be pills or medicines you inject, such as insulin.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Type 2 Diabetes
- MedlinePlus - Type 2 Diabetes
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
