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Understanding type 2 diabetes

The number of cases of Type 2 diabetes is increasing dramatically worldwide. Although this disease develops silently and appears gradually, it can have serious long-term consequences. Understanding its symptoms can help you take action earlier on to prevent or treat the disease effectively.

588.7 M

This disease is expanding exponentially. In 2024, approximately 589 million adults were living with diabetes1. By 2050, an estimated 852 million patients worldwide may suffer from Type 2 diabetes1.

3.4 M

Diabetes was responsible for around 3.4 million deaths in 20241.

98%

Over 98% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes1.

Did you know?

More than 4 out of 10 adults (252 million) today are living with diabetes but have not been diagnosed1.

Causes of Type 2 diabetes and the importance of getting tested

Contrary to Type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas does not secrete insulin, Type 2 diabetes is linked to poor secretion of insulin. This condition arises when the following two anomalies occur:

  • Insulin resistance, or a decrease in cell receptivity to the effects of insulin;
  • Insulin deficiency, or a progressive reduction in insulin production by the pancreas.
Did you know?

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Blood sugar levels increase in people affected by Type 2 diabetes. In this case, they are said to suffer from hyperglycemia.

In the beginning stages of the disease, chronic hyperglycemia due to Type 2 diabetes is asymptomatic. This is why not all diabetics are diagnosed.

Diabetes is diagnosed:

  • either through a routine blood test,
  • or when complications appear, making these cases more serious. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding more severe effects of the disease.

Combat Type 2 diabetes with changes in lifestyle

To regulate the condition, recommendations for people living with Type 2 diabetes include:

  • Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet (limiting intake of sugary, salty, or fatty foods; choosing fresh fruit and vegetables, eating more fish)
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Losing weight, when necessary
  • Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol

In case of failure to reach a glycemic target, oral or injectable diabetes medications may also be prescribed. There are several classes; each class has different mechanisms of action and can be administered alone or in combination. Adopting a healthy lifestyle increases their effectiveness.

Photo d'un homme souffrant de diabète de type 2

AND SERVIER?

We help patients fight chronic diseases, including metabolic conditions. We are committed to treating Type 2 diabetes, and have launched several global initiatives to help improve patient care and quality of life. The “As One” initiative is the embodiment of our cardiometabolism strategy and includes a component on diabetes. This component comes to life through our global awareness campaign #ACTNOWFORDIABETES. Its goal is to inform and raise awareness on the importance of early diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and treatment adherence.

In this campaign, our partner is the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), whose mission is to prevent diabetes in at-risk populations and improve the lives of people living with the disease. IDF offers a wealth of information on its website https://worlddiabetesday.org/, including testimonials, initiatives and screening campaigns… all of which are aimed at raising public awareness and improving the lives of people living with diabetes.

Find out more about our commitment to Type 2 diabetes

REMEMBER

  1. See your doctor regularly: Consult your doctor to scan for Type 2 diabetes, set up appropriate follow-up care, and avoid complications.
  2. Adopt a healthy lifestyle: By adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the risks and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes.
  3. Adhere to your treatment: In addition to lifestyle-related and dietary measures, treatments may be prescribed. The secret to effective treatment? Take your medicine according to the doctor’s orders!

FAQ (Frequently-asked questions)

Over 98% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes1.

Type 2 diabetes (or non-insulin-dependent diabetes) is a chronic disease cause by poor secretion of insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar) from the pancreas. This leads to hyperglycemia, which is a chronic excess of glucose concentration in the blood.

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed through a routine blood test. When patients are diagnosed early on, the risk of complications is lower.

People living with Type 2 diabetes may be able to control this condition by changing their lifestyle (diet, exercise, weight, smoking habits, alcohol intake).

[1] Diabetes Atlas IDF 11th Edition 2025 / https://diabetesatlas.org/resources/idf-diabetes-atlas-2025/

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