Module 24: More About Type 2 Participant Guide

Session Focus

You’ve been working hard to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by losing weight and being active.

In this session, we will talk about:

  • The basics of type 2 diabetes

  • How type 2 diabetes is diagnosed

  • How type 2 diabetes is managed

You will also make a new action plan!

Tips:

  • Track your eating and activity to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

  • See your doctor regularly to check for diabetes.

Basics of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Basics

When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, a type of sugar. A hormone called insulin helps glucose leave the blood and enter the cells. This gives the cells energy.

In people with type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin well. So, sugar builds up in the blood instead of going into the cells. And the cells don’t get enough energy.

Type 2 diabetes can harm your:

  • Heart and blood vessels, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes

  • Nerves

  • Kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure

  • Eyes, which can lead to blindness

  • Feet, which can lead to amputation

  • Gums

  • Skin

You are more likely to get type 2 diabetes if you:

  • Are overweight or have obesity

  • Are physically active less than 3 times a week

  • Have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes

  • Are a person who is African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Alaska Native (some Pacific Islander and Asian American persons are also at higher risk)

  • Are 45 or older

  • Had diabetes while you were pregnant (gestational diabetes): About half of all women who have gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes later in life. If you had gestational diabetes, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice. You’ll likely need a blood sugar check every one to three years, even if your blood sugar is OK right now. Work with your healthcare provider to come up with the best plan for your body.

How Type 2 Diabetes Is Managed

Ana and Jaya’s Story

Ana is at risk for type 2 diabetes. She’s trying to prevent or delay it by living a healthy lifestyle. Ana’s mom, Jaya, has type 2 diabetes. Her goal is to keep her blood sugar in a healthy range so she can prevent or minimize the health complications that can result from diabetes.

Ana and Jaya have very similar eating and fitness goals. They are both trying to reach and stay at a healthy weight. And they both track their eating and activity.

Unlike Ana, though, Jaya checks her own blood sugar each day, and she tracks the results. Jaya also takes pills to control her blood sugar.

Ana and Jaya both keep an eye on their health. But Jaya visits her health care provider more often. She also has more lab tests. In addition to getting her blood sugar checked, she needs to get her blood pressure, cholesterol, kidneys, eyes, and feet checked at almost every appointment. Ana may only get her labs checked once a year.

Ana has lost weight, and her latest blood sugar numbers are normal. Her provider says she’s on track to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Jaya’s latest blood sugar numbers are normal too. Her provider says she’s doing a great job keeping her blood sugar in a healthy range.

Ana knows her history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy puts her at risk for type 2 diabetes, so she follows-up with her doctor for regular blood sugar checks. Ana wants to make sure she and her baby both have healthy futures.

Life With Type 2 Diabetes

How would your life change if you had type 2 diabetes?

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What habits will you continue to build and what new routines will you add to prevent it?

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Do you know anyone with type 2 diabetes? If so, ask that person how his or her life changed and what that person does to manage it. Write your discoveries below.

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You can also share your responses and discuss the topic with other participants in the Malama community.