Glucose is a type of sugar. It comes from food, and is also created in the liver. Glucose travels through the body in the blood. It moves from the blood to cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. Once glucose is in those cells, it can be used for energy.
Diabetes is a condition that makes it difficult for the body to use glucose. This causes a buildup of glucose in the blood. It also means the body is not getting enough energy. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes.
Medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring can help control blood glucose levels.

• Prediabetes—impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose
• Metabolic syndrome—a condition marked by elevated cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and central obesity (a high concentration of body fat around the upper body and abdomen)
• Excess weight or obesity, especially central obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet—high intake of processed meats, fats, sugar-sweetened foods and beverages
• Family history of type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• History of cardiovascular disease
• Depression
• History of gestational diabetes, or having a baby weighing over nine pounds at birth
• Endocrine disorders, such as Cushing’s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, polycystic ovary syndrome, pheochromocytoma, or glucagonoma
• Conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as acanthosis nigricans
• Certain medications, such as glucocorticoids or thiazides
• Certain ethnic groups, such as African American, Hispanic, Native American, Hispanic American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander

• Increased urination
• Extreme thirst
• Hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Irritability
• Frequent or recurring infections
• Poor wound healing
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Problems with gums
• Itching
• Problems having an erection

• Symptoms of diabetes and a random blood test with a blood sugar level greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
• Fasting blood sugar test is done after you have not eaten for eight or more hours—showing blood sugar levels greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) on two different days
• Glucose tolerance test measures blood sugar two hours after you eat glucose—showing glucose levels greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
• HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher—indicates poor blood sugar control over the past 2-4 months

• Maintain blood sugar at levels as close to normal as possible
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Prevent or delay complications
• Control other conditions that you may have, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol

• Aerobic exercises & resistance training: Both types of exercise help to improve long-term glucose control. Regular exercise can also help reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Patient education & information on exercise precautions

• Participate in regular physical activity
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Drink alcohol in moderation (two drinks per day for a man, and one drink per day for a woman)
• Eat a well-balanced diet:
  • Get enough fiber
  • Avoid fatty foods
  • Limit sugar intake
  • Eat more green, leafy vegetables
  • Eat whole fruits, especially apples, grapes, and blueberries

• American Diabetes Association

• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canadian Diabetes Association

• Public Health Agency of Canada

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