JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Diabetes mellitus 2, also known as type 2 Diabetes, is an impairment of the way the body regulates and uses sugar, or glucose as fuel.

Sanford Health Dr. Tommy Erickson says there’s a common misconception that type 2 Diabetes is caused by high-blood sugar. But that’s just a side effect of the condition.

Dr. Erickson says there are different types of diabetes, with type 1 and type 2 being the most common.

Type 2 diabetes requires finding alternatives to insulin to adjust for the overproduction of sugar. Type 1 needs the boost in insulin because the body doesn’t produce enough or any.

He added it’s a very common disease that affects a big population in the U.S.

When it comes to being screened for diabetes, Dr. Erickson says there are a lot of symptoms of type 2 diabetes that prompt healthcare providers to request a test.

While their is no cure, Dr. Erickson says a change in lifestyle such as eating well and exercising can help manage the disease.

For more information, you can visit mayoclinic.org or diabetes.org.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Dr. Tommy Erickson below: