Type 2 diabetes

Question 1

How am I supposed to take my diabetes medications, and what should I do if I miss a dose?

Accepted Answer

Your care team is your best guide for taking diabetes medicines correctly. Medicines for type 2 diabetes include oral medicines, insulin, and other injectable medicines. Over time, some people need more than one type of medicine to keep blood sugar in a healthy range. You also need to learn how to balance your medicines with what you eat and your physical activity. Your provider tells you how often to check your blood sugar. For a missed dose, reach out to your care team. Each medicine has its own instructions, and they can tell you exactly what to do.

Question 2

How and when should I take each of my diabetes medications, and what do I do if I miss a dose?

Accepted Answer

Your care team is the right source for your personal medicine schedule. Medicines for type 2 diabetes include oral medicines (pills), insulin, and other injectable medicines. Over time, some people need more than one type to keep their blood sugar in a healthy range. It is important to balance what you eat and drink with physical activity and your medicine. Because every person's plan is different, your care team sets your timing and dose. Ask them directly when to take each medicine. Ask them what steps to take if you miss a dose. Your provider will also tell you how often to check your blood glucose level at home.

Question 3

My doctor prescribed a new injectable medication—why am I getting this, and what should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor added an injectable medicine. Over time, some people with type 2 diabetes need more than one medicine. Diabetes medicines can include pills, insulin, and other injectables. The goal is to keep your blood glucose — also called blood sugar — in a healthy range. Your care team will tell you how often to check your blood sugar. A healthy eating plan and regular activity are still important parts of your care. Talk to your care team about what to expect. Ask how to fit this new medicine into your daily routine.

Question 4

Why did my doctor add a GLP-1 or insulin injection, and what should I expect from it?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor added an injectable medicine — insulin or another injectable — to help keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells don't use insulin properly. The pancreas may also not make enough. Insulin helps glucose (blood sugar) move into your cells, where it is used for energy. Over time, many people with type 2 diabetes need more than one type of medicine to manage their blood sugar. Keeping blood sugar in a healthy range can help prevent damage to your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Ask your care team what to expect and how to use your medicine correctly.

Question 5

Can I eat fruit and carbs with Type 2 diabetes, or what are my diet rules?

Accepted Answer

You do not have to give up all the foods you love. With type 2 diabetes, you may need smaller portions or enjoy some foods less often. The goal is to keep your blood glucose — your blood sugar — in a healthy range. A healthy plan includes eating well and staying active. Your care team, which may include a registered dietitian or a diabetes educator, can build a meal plan that fits your life. You also need to balance what you eat and drink with physical activity and any medicine you take. Bring your food questions to your next appointment.

Question 6

What can I actually eat with diabetes? I keep hearing conflicting things about fruit and carbs.

Accepted Answer

Having diabetes does not mean giving up your favorite foods. You may need to eat smaller portions or enjoy some foods less often. Your care team — which may include a registered dietitian or a diabetes educator — can build a meal plan that works for you. Part of managing diabetes is learning to balance what you eat and drink with your physical activity and any medicines you take. If finding or affording healthy food is a challenge, talk with your care team. They can help connect you to resources.

Question 7

How can I tell the difference between low and high blood sugar, and what should I do for each?

Accepted Answer

Type 2 diabetes means blood glucose — your blood sugar — stays too high. Signs can include increased thirst and urination. Hunger, tiredness, and blurry vision are other signs. You may also notice numbness or tingling in your feet or hands. Some people have wounds that are slow to heal. But many people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can develop so slowly over years that you may not notice them. The A1C is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar over about 3 months. Your care team uses it to track your blood sugar. Your provider will tell you how often to check your blood sugar and what to do when you notice changes.

Question 8

How do I tell the difference between low and high blood sugar, and what should I do about each?

Accepted Answer

High blood sugar can cause several symptoms. These include increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurry vision. You may also notice numbness or tingling in your feet or hands, or sores that heal slowly. With type 2 diabetes, symptoms often develop slowly over several years. They can be mild enough to go unnoticed. Checking your blood glucose at home is one way to track changes between visits. Your care team can explain what your readings mean. Ask them specifically what to watch for if blood sugar drops too low, and when to seek urgent care.

Question 9

What do my A1C numbers mean, and what should I be aiming for?

Accepted Answer

The A1C is a blood test. It measures your average blood glucose — blood sugar — over the past 3 months. Your care team uses it to see how well your diabetes is managed. Because each person is different, your provider sets a target that fits your health. Talk to your care team about what your result means and what goal to aim for.

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