Type 2 diabetes
Also known as:
T2D, adult-onset diabetes
Chronically high blood sugar from insulin resistance and failing insulin secretion. Modern medicines protect heart, kidneys and weight.
Written and reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD · Last reviewed
VIDEO LESSON
How it's diagnosed
• A1c 6.5% or higher
• Fasting glucose 126 mg/dL or higher
• 2-hour glucose 200 mg/dL or higher on an OGTT
• Random glucose 200 mg/dL or higher with symptoms
• Abnormal results are confirmed with repeat testing unless symptoms are clear
Treatment
Lifestyle and weight management sit at the center. ADA Standards of Care favor GLP-1 receptor agonists or tirzepatide when weight or cardiovascular risk matters, and SGLT2 inhibitors for heart failure or chronic kidney disease. Metformin remains a common, low-cost option. Glucose targets are individualized; an A1c below 7% suits many adults.
Remission
Substantial weight loss can put type 2 diabetes into remission. In the DiRECT trial, 46% of participants in a structured weight management program were in remission at 12 months.
Possible complications
• Heart attack, stroke and heart failure
• Kidney disease
• Eye disease and nerve damage
• Fatty liver disease
Clinical pearls
• Check kidney function and urine albumin yearly.
• Yearly eye and foot exams prevent complications.
Key studies and references
Educational content only, written and reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD. It does not replace individual medical advice. For sudden chest pain, trouble breathing or stroke symptoms, call 911.
AT A GLANCE
Category
Blood sugar & liver
Also known as
T2D, adult-onset diabetes
Reviewed by
Farhan Tahir, MD
Questions about your own care?
Dr. Tahir’s team offers consults through Youthful Medicine.
Keep exploring
Weight & obesity
Obesity
A chronic disease of excess body fat. The 2025 Lancet Commission separates obesity that is already harming the body from obesity that raises future risk.
Read the guide →
Blood sugar & liver
Prediabetes & insulin resistance
Blood sugar above normal but below diabetes. The best window to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Read the guide →
Blood sugar & liver
Type 2 diabetes
Chronically high blood sugar from insulin resistance and failing insulin secretion. Modern medicines protect heart, kidneys and weight.
Read the guide →