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Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with proper diet and exercise, but many people require medication or insulin. Those with Type 2 diabetes can manage their condition better by eating well, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Women doing yoga to help manage type 2 diabetes

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the result of the body’s inability to use insulin properly. Either the body is insulin-resistant — forcing cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin to make up for it — or it doesn’t produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose normal. There’s no cure for Type 2 diabetes, but it can be treated with oral medications and/or insulin. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which has no known cause, the development of Type 2 diabetes is associated with several risk factors.

Risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes:

  • History of hyperglycemia, prediabetes, and/or gestational diabetes
  • Weight problems and/or obesity
  • Genetics
  • Family history
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Age
  • High blood pressure
  • Abnormal cholesterol

Medications can treat Type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise aren’t enough.

While smart meal planning, weight loss, and exercise are essential in bringing blood-glucose levels back to a healthy range, they are often not enough. The next step is taking medication. Medication choices are based on lifestyle, physical condition, response to the medication, and insurance coverage. Currently there are nine oral medications that work in different ways to lower blood glucose, five types of insulin, and two types of injectable medications. Health care providers advise patients on the best medication for them. Access a guide to diabetes medications from the American Diabetes Association.

Diabetes Medical Managment Plan (DMMP)

A free plan document provided by the American Diabetes Association.

Get the guide

National and local programs and resources to help those with Type 2 diabetes.

Managing Type 2 diabetes starts with understanding the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many local and national programs offer free advice and information on dining, self-management, living with diabetes, and more.

Women in a group
Nationally Recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs

If you have diabetes, you know how challenging it can be to manage your disease. Diabetes education is a recognized part of your diabetes care. Find recognized and accredited Diabetes Education Programs.

Group cooking together as part of the Dining with Diabetes program
Dining with Diabetes

Dining with Diabetes is a program that is part of the cooperative extension service at the University of Delaware. It provides diabetes education, cooking demonstrations, and tasting of healthy foods. Learn more and register

Two men shaking hands at a Diabetes self-management meeting
Diabetes Self-Management Programs

Register for a free Diabetes Self-Management Program that can help you learn what you can do to stay healthy. If you’d prefer to register by phone, call 302-744-1020. Learn more

Milford Wellness Village Diabetes Self-Management Program

Explaining Diabetes to a Child

Download an easy-to-understand flyer that helps kids learn what diabetes is, the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, how it affects them, and how — with your help — they can manage their condition and live well.

Nationally Recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs

The following diabetes education programs in our area are recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) and meet the ADA’s National Standards for Excellence in Diabetes Education. Classes generally include a fee, but those recognized as ADA/ADCES-approved programs may be covered by Medicare/Medicaid. Call your insurance company to check on your coverage benefits. Most of the diabetes education program facilities also sponsor free support groups. Please call your facility for a listing of types of support groups, meeting times, and locations.

New Castle County:

A.I. duPont Hospital for Children 1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
Call 302-651-5965
Sponsoring Organization: Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

Christiana Care Health Services 501 W. 14th St
Wilmington, DE 19801
Call 302-320-9069
Sponsoring Organization: Wilmington Hospital Campus

United Medical Accountable Care Organization 161 Becks Woods Drive
Bear, DE 19701
Call 302-266-9166

Kent County:

Bayhealth 640 S. State St.
Dover, DE 19901
Call 302-744-6307
Sponsoring Organization: Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus

Focus Pharmacy 117 East Glenwood Ave.
Smyrna, DE 19977
Call 302-471-3046
Email info@focuspharmacy.com

Sussex County:

Bayhealth - Sussex Campus 100 Wellness Way
Milford, DE 19963
Call 302-422-3311
Sponsoring Organization: Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus

Beebe Healthcare 18947 John J. Highway
Suite 210
Rehoboth, DE 19971
Call 302-645-3121
Sponsoring Organization: Beebe Medical Arts Building

I & O Diabetes Consultants 203 Mitchel St.
Suite B
Millsboro, DE 19966
Call 302-853-3046
Email diabetesexpert22@gmail.com

TidalHealth — Nanticoke Campus 801 Middleford Road
Seaford, DE 19973
Call 302-629-6611 x2288
Sponsoring Organization: Diabetes Self-Management Education Program

Find recognized and accredited Diabetes Education Programs in Delaware