About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, accounting for 90 to 95% of all diabetes cases in America. Most people with type 2 diabetes are still able to produce insulin at diagnosis. However, the insulin they make does not work properly and is unable to perform its primary job, which is helping the body's cells use glucose for energy.  This characteristic of type 2 diabetes is called insulin resistance.

If left untreated, the high blood sugar levels from uncontrolled diabetes can cause serious long-term diabetic complications. Eventually, they damage the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, reducing insulin output.

Although the majority of people with type 2 diabetes are adults, children and adolescents are increasingly at risk for the disease due to growing childhood weight problems and sedentary lifestyles.