Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes – about 90% of all cases – and it is rising fast in India. Here, our doctors answer the questions people most often Google about type 2 diabetes: what causes it, whether it can be reversed, what to eat, and how to keep blood sugar in range. For the full overview, see our complete guide to diabetes.
Last updated: 16 June 2026. Reviewed for medical accuracy by the Even team.
Key takeaways
- Type 2 diabetes is about 90% of all diabetes cases.
- It is driven by insulin resistance – linked to weight, diet, inactivity and genetics.
- It can often be managed and sometimes put into remission if caught early.
- A fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher (on two tests) indicates diabetes.
- Diet, activity, weight loss and medication keep blood sugar in a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes at a glance
| Measure | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting blood sugar (mg/dL) | Below 100 | 100-125 | 126 or higher |
| HbA1c (%) | Below 5.7 | 5.7-6.4 | 6.5 or higher |
Diagnosis should always be confirmed by a doctor. Below, the questions people ask most.
What causes type 2 diabetes?
It develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin and cannot keep blood sugar in range. Risk rises with excess weight (especially belly fat), a diet high in refined carbs and sugar, low activity, family history and age. South Asians tend to develop it earlier and at lower body weights.
Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
It can often be managed and sometimes pushed into remission – normal blood sugar without medication – especially when tackled early with weight loss, a low-GI diet and regular activity. Remission is not a permanent cure; it needs ongoing healthy habits and monitoring.
What should you eat with type 2 diabetes?
Focus on low-GI, high-fibre foods – whole grains, vegetables and legumes such as green moong dal and oats. Limit refined sugar and sweets, and don’t assume “natural” sugars are safe – see the facts on jaggery and diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
It develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, linked to excess weight, a refined-carb and sugary diet, low activity, family history and age. South Asians develop it earlier and at lower weights.
It can often be managed and sometimes put into remission (normal blood sugar without medication), especially early on with weight loss, a low-GI diet and activity. It can return, so habits must continue.
A fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher (on two tests), or an HbA1c of 6.5% or higher, indicates diabetes. 100-125 mg/dL is prediabetes.
Low-GI, high-fibre foods such as whole grains, vegetables and legumes like green moong dal and oats. Limit refined sugar, sweets and jaggery.
Yes. Type 2 accounts for about 90% of all diabetes cases worldwide.
Not always. Early type 2 can sometimes be controlled with diet, activity and weight loss alone, but many people need medication – guided by their doctor.
The bottom line
Type 2 diabetes is common and serious, but highly manageable – and often reversible early – with the right diet, activity and care. Read the full diabetes guide and explore more in our Health section.
Managing diabetes is easier when consultations, tests and medicines are covered: see health insurance with OPD cover, and diabetes care at Even Hospital in Bangalore.
Related reading
- Diabetes: types, symptoms and management
- Jaggery and diabetes: myths and facts
- Green moong dal: protein and blood sugar
- Oats: benefits, side effects and how to use
- More from the Even Health blog
References
- American Diabetes Association (ADA) – type 2 diabetes and diagnosis criteria.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – diabetes fact sheet.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – management of type 2 diabetes.
