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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Diabetes, Type 2

Condition: Diabetes, Type 2

Also called: Adult-Onset Diabetes

In the United States, 30.3 million children and adults have diabetes.  This is about 1 in 10 Americans.  Amazingly, 1 in 4 people with diabetes don’t realize they have it.

95% of those with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.  Though it was formerly classified as “adult-onset diabetes”, it is increasingly being discovered in children and adolescents related to the epidemic of obesity in youth.

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by the body’s inability to make enough insulin or properly use the insulin that it makes. Insulin is a hormone that removes glucose from the bloodstream.  If you don’t make enough of it or are resistant to it, your blood glucose (sugar) will be too high. Elevated blood glucose over time can lead to damage to the blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, fat, liver and muscle cells are resistant to insulin. Early on in type 2 diabetes, the body is able to compensate for this resistance by making more insulin but this ability decreases over time.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

There is not a single cause of type 2 diabetes.  There are many genetic, social, and environmental factors that play a role.  While you can inherit a tendency to develop the condition, excessive weight gain and/or physical inactivity can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  Studies have shown that controlling your body weight, eating a healthy diet, and regular exercise can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes even in those who are genetically predisposed.

Risk Factors and Symptoms for Type 2 Diabetes

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include but are not limited to the following:

  • Age – those 45 or older are at a higher risk
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Being overweight (body mass index of >25 kg/m2 or >23 kg/m2 in Asian Americans)
  • Physical inactivity
  • Race and ethnicity – African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and American Indians are at a higher risk
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • History of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • A low HDL level
  • A high triglyceride level

Each person may experience the symptoms of type 2 diabetes differently. Often, those with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at first and may not for many years. The most common symptoms include but are not limited to:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss despite not adhering to a strict diet or exercise regimen
  • Frequent bladder or skin infections
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Extreme weakness and fatigue
  • Irritability and mood changes
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet
  • Cuts or injuries that heal slowly

Managing Your Type 2 Diabetes

Often, type 2 diabetes can be controlled through weight loss, improved nutrition and exercise alone. However, in some cases, these measures are not enough and oral or injected medications are necessary.
Treatment often includes:

  • Lower carbohydrate diet
  • Exercise program (150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly)
  • Gradual weight loss (goal is 5-10% weight loss if you are overweight or obese)
  • Medications
  • Regular follow up with your primary care doctor and eye doctor (ophthalmologist) and possibly a nutritionist or diabetes educator, an endocrinologist who specializes in diabetes, kidney doctor (nephrologist), foot doctor (podiatrist), and heart doctor (cardiologist)

To prevent type 2 diabetes, especially if you have been diagnosed previously with pre-diabetes or “borderline” diabetes, it is important to keep a healthy body weight and an active lifestyle.

Contents

  • Treatments & Procedures
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Treatments and Procedures Related to Diabetes, Type 2

UAMS providers perform and prescribe a broad range of treatments and procedures, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Exercise
  • Medication Evaluation and Management
  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Weight Control

Providers Treating Diabetes, Type 2

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Diabetes, Type 2. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Arwa Z. Albashaireh, M.D.

Arwa Z. Albashaireh, M.D. Endocrinologist

View Profile
Ashley  N. Allen, PA

Ashley N. Allen, PA Medical Physician Assistant

View Profile
Elena Ambrogini, M.D., Ph.D.

Elena Ambrogini, M.D., Ph.D. Endocrinologist

View Profile
Terri R. Cohen, DPM

Terri R. Cohen, DPM Podiatrist

View Profile
Romona L. Davis, M.D.

Romona L. Davis, M.D. Ophthalmologist

View Profile
Stephan Dehmel, M.D.

Stephan Dehmel, M.D. Gastroenterologist

View Profile
Joseph A. Henske, M.D.

Joseph A. Henske, M.D. Endocrinologist

View Profile
Jonell S. Hudson, Pharm.D.

Jonell S. Hudson, Pharm.D. Ambulatory Care Pharmacist

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Lakshmi P. Menon, M.D.

Lakshmi P. Menon, M.D. Endocrinologist

View Profile
Jon D. Oden, M.D.

Jon D. Oden, M.D. Pediatric Endocrinologist

View Profile
Andrea S. Tappe, RD

Andrea S. Tappe, RD Dietitian

View Profile
Sara G. Tariq, M.D.

Sara G. Tariq, M.D. Internist

View Profile
Robert S. Weinstein, M.D.

Robert S. Weinstein, M.D. Endocrinologist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Diabetes, Type 2

Note that the treatment of Diabetes, Type 2 may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


Exterior of Outpatient Center

Endocrinology Clinic

4110 Outpatient Circle
Outpatient Center
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-296-1220
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Family Medical Center, North Central

Family Medical Center in Batesville

1993 Harrison St.
Batesville, AR 72501

Appointment Phone Number
870-793-2540
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
UAMS Northwest exterior (FMC sign)

Family Medical Center in Fayetteville

1125 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
479-521-8260
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Family Medical Center in Fort Smith

1301 S. E St.
Fort Smith, AR 72901

Appointment Phone Number
479-785-2431
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
UAMS Family Medical Center, East

Family Medical Center in Helena

1393 Highway 242 South
Helena, AR 72342

Appointment Phone Number
870-572-6507
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
UAMS Northeast building exterior

Family Medical Center in Jonesboro

311 E. Matthews St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401

Appointment Phone Number
870-972-0063
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Exterior of Family Medical Center - Little Rock

Family Medical Center in Little Rock

521 Jack Stephens Drive
First floor
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-686-6560
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Family Medical Center - Magnolia

Family Medical Center in Magnolia

1617 N. Washington St.
Magnolia, AR 71753

Appointment Phone Number
870-234-7676
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Family Medical Center, Pine Bluff

Family Medical Center in Pine Bluff

1601 W. 40th Ave.
Pine Bluff, AR 71603

Appointment Phone Number
870-541-6000
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
NW Hospital exterior

Family Medical Center in Springdale

601 W. Maple Ave.
Suite 102
Springdale, AR 72764

Appointment Phone Number
479-750-6585
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Exterior of UAMS Health Family Medical Center in Texarkana

Family Medical Center in Texarkana

3417 U of A Way
Texarkana, AR 71854

Appointment Phone Number
870-779-6000
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
Exterior of UAMS - Financial Center Parkway

Medical Weight Management Clinic

11300 Financial Centre Parkway
Pyramid Park
Rooms 237-239
Little Rock, AR 72211

Appointment Phone Number
501-614-2340
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions
exterior of North Street Clinic

Neighborhood Clinic in Fayetteville

1125 N. College Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Appointment Phone Number
479-713-8701
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Diabetes, Type 2

Image of a doctor taking a blood sample from a boy's finger.

Diabetes and Endocrinology Care

At UAMS Health, we want you to feel engaged and empowered about managing your diabetes. We have seen first-hand that the most effective way to manage diabetes i

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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