Type 2 diabetes: Inspired to overcome

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Browse myths and facts
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In United Arab Emirates, more than 1.2 million adults are diagnosed with diabetes—the majority of whom have Type 2 diabetes. 1

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a condition where your body can't use the insulin it creates properly. 2
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T2D CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Understanding type 2
diabetes

What causes T2D: T2D happens when your cells don't respond properly to the
insulin made by your pancreas 2—this is called insulin resistance. Because of this
resistance, your pancreas keeps making more insulin, but your blood sugar still
rises.

Who gets it:  T2D often develops in people 45 or older, but it can also happen in
children, teens, and young adults. Symptoms may develop over several years and
can go unnoticed for a long time. 3

Why see a doctor: Some symptoms look like other health conditions, so it's
important to get your blood sugar tested by a doctor. If diabetes isn't treated, it can
cause serious health problems.

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Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night

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Photograph of a person opening a door to the bathroom. Text over image: Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night. Icon of a toilet.

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Are very thirsty
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Photograph of a person holding a cup of water with both hands. Text over image: Are very thirsty. Icon of a water droplet.

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Lose weight without trying
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Photograph of a person standing on a weight scale. Text over image: Lose weight without trying. Icon of an arrow trending downward.

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Sudden vision changes
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Photograph of a person holding their glasses in one hand and pinching their nose with their other hand. Text over image: Sudden vision changes. Icon of an eye.

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Are very hungry
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Photograph of a person standing in front of an open refrigerator. Text over image: Are very hungry. Icon of a fork and knife.

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Feel very tired
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Photograph of a person sitting on the ground and leaning against their dresser. Text over image: Feel very tired. Icon of a bed.

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CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Let's talk about diabetes risk 4

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as T2D. There isn't one factor that causes prediabetes or T2D. Prediabetes and T2D share many risk factors. If you have prediabetes, your risk of developing T2D increases. You could be at a higher risk for both conditions if you fall into one or more of these categories:
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Demographics and Ethnicity

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If you are 45+ or are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
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Health history

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I've you've had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby over 9 pounds, have a family history of T2D, or have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
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Lifestyle factors

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If you aren't physically active
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MYTHS VS FACTS

Separating science
from stigma 7

Myth No. 1

“Type 2 diabetes is caused solely by eating too much sugar”

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Fact
While diet plays a role in the development of T2D, it is not the only cause. T2D is a disease that can develop regardless of genetics, diet, physical activity, and obesity.
Myth No. 2

"Only people who have overweight or obesity get T2D"

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Fact
While being overweight or having obesity plays a role in the development of T2D, it is not the only cause. T2D can develop in people at a wide range of different background, at any weight, and can develop due to genetics, diet, physical activity, and excess weight.
Myth No. 3

“Type 2 diabetes is not as serious as type 1 diabetes (T1D)”

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Fact
Both T1D and T2D are serious and can lead to severe complications if not managed properly.
Myth No. 4

“People with T2D should avoid carbohydrates completely”

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Fact
Carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet. Proper meal planning and portion control are crucial for managing blood glucose levels
Myth No. 5

“Type 2 diabetes can be cured”

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Fact
There is currently no cure for T2D, but it can be managed through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Myth No. 6

“If you need insulin, you have failed in managing your diabetes”

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Fact
T2D is a long-term disease, and over time changes in your treatment plan may occur. Adjusting your treatment plan to support your current need is not a sign of failure, it is a sign of effectively managing your disease. Insulin may help maintain your blood glucose levels and prevent complications.
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T2D DIAGNOSIS

How doctors diagnose T2D 5

There are a few ways to find out if you have T2D, and usually, the tests need to be done twice to be sure.
These tests can be done at a doctor’s office or lab, or even at home. If your blood sugar level is very high or if you have common symptoms of high blood sugar along with one positive test, your doctor might not need to do a second test to diagnose diabetes.
Here are a few examples of tests your doctor might talk to you about:
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Fasting plasma glucose test

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Measures blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours
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Oral glucose tolerance test

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Measures how your body handles sugar after fasting
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Random (casual) plasma glucose test

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Measures blood sugar levels at any time of the day
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Glycated hemoglobin test (HBA1C test)

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Also known as the HBA1C test, measures average blood sugar levels for the past 2-3 months
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TALK TO A DOCTOR

Find an independent
diabetes specialist

Diabetes specialists can be hard to find, but they don't have to be.
Photograph of a person sitting at a counter and looking at their phone in their hands.
Start with telehealth
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Connect with a licensed doctor online from the comfort of your home.

A telehealth consultation can help you understand your condition and discuss the next steps.

Book a telehealth consultation
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TREATMENT

Diabetes care isn't always the same
for everyone

There are many options when it comes to treating T2D. Together with your doctor, you’ll come up with a plan to fit your care needs around your daily lifestyle. Here are a few areas your treatment plan could include: 5
Getting help from a doctor
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Your care team will help you put together your treatment plan, which could include medicine and lifestyle adjustments. Factors like blood sugar levels, overall health, and other medical conditions, age, lifestyle, and personal preferences and goals can plan a role in your tailored treatment plan.

Looking for independent care options?

Find virtual care

Managing a healthy lifestyle
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Managing a healthy lifestyle and habits is one of the ways you can take care of yourself during your treatment journey. It's important to focus on the 5 pillars of well-being: movement, food, stress management, sleep, and connection.
Medical diabetes treatment options 6
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Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can work together as part of your treatment plan. After you discuss lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest other medical treatments. These treatments may help control your blood sugar levels and improve how your body uses sugar.

Some treatments can improve blood sugar a lot. This makes it easier for you to continue your health journey with better diabetes care.

  • There are FDA-approved medications available.  Some medications are pills and some are shots. They work in different ways to lower blood sugar.
  • Insulin therapy.  Insulin shots, pens, or pumps help your body use sugar the right way and keep blood sugar healthy.
  • Blood sugar monitors (CGM).  Small devices under your skin track your blood sugar all day and night. They give you and your doctor real-time information.
  • Insulin pumps.  These small devices attach to your body. They give you insulin all day for better blood sugar control.
Monitoring and management
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Regular monitoring helps you and your care team track how well your treatment plan is working. This typically includes checking your blood sugar levels at home, getting A1C tests every 3-6 months, and scheduling regular check-ups. Your care team may also recommend routine eye exams, foot care, and other health screenings to help prevent complications.
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References

  1. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 2025. Brussels, Belgium.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Diabetes Basics
    https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/index.html [restoredcdc.org]
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Diabetes Risk Factors
    https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/index.html
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Diabetes & Prediabetes
    https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/prediabetes.html
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Symptoms of Diabetes
    https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/signs-symptoms/index.html
  6. InformedHealth.org
    Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) – Medication for Type 2 Diabetes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279504/
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – 10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress
    https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/articles/10-tips-coping-diabetes-distress.html
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