Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes.
Basics
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
- Weight problems and/or obesity
- Genetics
- Family history
- Race and ethnicity
- Age
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal cholesterol
- History of hyperglycemia, prediabetes, and/or gestational diabetes
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.
Access the guideDiabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP)
A free plan document provided by the American Diabetes Association.
Get the guideResources
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.
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.
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
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
View 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.
View the flyerEducation Programs
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:
Nemours Children’s Health
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
Kent County:
Bayhealth
640 S. State St.
Dover, DE 19901
Call 302-744-6307
Sponsoring Organization: Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus
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
Helpful links
Healthy Lifestyle — Small Changes. Big Impact.
Better choices lead to better chances of avoiding chronic diseases. Lifestyle behaviors can affect health. Making little, healthier choices can go a long way.
Healthy Living
Live better. Our Healthy Lifestyle Map will show you where you can find fresh local produce at farmers’ markets and how to stay active at local fitness centers and parks.