Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it, leading to elevated blood glucose over time.
Symptoms
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts or wounds
- Often no symptoms at all in the early stages
Causes & risk factors
- Insulin resistance, often alongside excess weight or abdominal obesity
- A family history of type 2 diabetes
- Physical inactivity
- Age (risk rises after 45, though it increasingly affects younger adults)
- A prior diagnosis of prediabetes or gestational diabetes
Nationally, an estimated 11.4% of Indian adults have diabetes and a further 15.3% have prediabetes (ICMR-INDIAB national study (Anjana et al., Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2023)).
How it’s diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on blood tests — fasting glucose, HbA1c, or an oral glucose tolerance test — interpreted against standard diagnostic thresholds.
How it’s treated
Management is individualized and typically combines lifestyle measures with medication where needed — including metformin, other oral agents, GLP-1 based therapies, or insulin depending on how the condition progresses — plus regular monitoring for complications.
When to seek care
- Blood glucose readings persistently outside the range agreed with your care team
- Numbness, tingling, or wounds on the feet that aren't healing
- Vision changes
- Symptoms of very high or very low blood glucose
FAQ
Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
Some patients achieve significant improvement in blood glucose control through sustained weight management and lifestyle change, and a minority reach remission by standard clinical definitions — but this varies by individual and isn't guaranteed. Discuss realistic goals with your care team.
Will I need insulin?
Not necessarily. Many people manage type 2 diabetes with oral medication and lifestyle measures for years; insulin becomes appropriate for some patients as the condition progresses.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026
- RSSDI (Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India) clinical practice recommendations
- ICMR-INDIAB national study (Anjana et al., Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2023)
Medical disclaimer: Content on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes vary between patients. Boston Diabetes Center is outpatient / day-care specialty centre with an on-site diagnostic lab and pharmacy — no inpatient beds; imaging and inpatient care are coordinated through partner facilities.