TYPE 2 DIABETES_________

Self-Care and Medication Management Techniques

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DIABETES
RECOMMENDED SELFCARE BEHAVIORS FOR
INDIVIDUALS AT RISK

Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood

sugar levels to rise higher than normal.

Categorized as type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes.

2. Being Active

Type 2 diabetes gets worse over time.

3. Monitoring

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

1. Healthy Eating

Blood sugar

Blood pressure

Weight

Foot health

4. Taking Medications
5. Problem Solving

Modifying current habits and

routines

6. Healthy Coping
7. Reducing Risk

Regular exams

People with type 2 diabetes do not use insulin from properly. Insulin, a
hormone produced in the pancreas, regulates the amount of sugar in the
blood. At first, your pancreas will make extra insulin to attempt to regulate
your blood sugar levels; however, overtime, it is unable to make enough to
keep your levels normal.
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
It is uncertain of the exact cause of type 2 diabetes. Development of type 2
diabetes is linked with several risk factors including:

History of diabetes/Prediabetes
Overweight/Obesity
Physical inactivity
Genetics
Family History
Race/Ethnicity
Age
High blood pressure
Abnormal cholesterol

How is it Diagnosed?
A simple blood test performed by your doctor can determine if you have, or
are at risk for developing, type 2 diabetes.
What are the Symptoms?

Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Increased hunger
Weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow-healing sores/Frequent infections
Areas of darkened skin

Information for this handout was obtained from the American Diabetes Association and Mayo Clinic.

Treatment and Medication Management for Type 2 Diabetes

TREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
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2.
3.
4.

Oral (pills) or insulin medications

Eating healthy
Being physically active
Regular blood sugar monitoring

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR TYPE 2 DIABETES MEDICATIONS

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2.
3.
4.
5.

Know what your medications are and how you should be taking them.
Read the labels and medication information provided by your pharmacy.
Organize and track your medications.
Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor.
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the medications you
are taking.

Information for this handout was obtained from the American Diabetes Association and Mayo Clinic.