What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes happens when the body can’t properly use insulin.

The pancreas still makes insulin, but the body gradually becomes less responsive to it—a state called insulin resistance. To compensate, the pancreas produces more and more insulin, until its beta cells become worn out and can’t keep up. The result: blood glucose rises.

T2D often develops gradually with milder symptoms, which is why it can go undetected for years—an estimated 11 million people in the U.S. have T2D and don’t know it.

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Type 2 Diabetes?

Risk comes from a mix of genetics and lifestyle. Having a family member with T2D significantly raises your risk. Other factors include:

• Age, risk increase as you age
• Certain ethnicities
• Gestational diabetes, or having a baby at birth weighing more than 9 pounds
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Weight and body shape
• Physical Inactivity
• Pre-diabetes
• Other health conditions
• Lifestyle habits

While there is currently no cure for type 2 diabetes, it can often be managed with lifestyle modifications (i.e. diet and exercise) and medication.

What’s the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1 is different because the immune system attacks the pancreas, preventing insulin production. People with type 1 need insulin for life, and there’s no cure. Without early detection, both types of diabetes can cause high blood sugar, leading to symptoms like:

How Are the Two Types of Diabetes Similar?

While type 2 and type 1 differ in nature, where they often meet is in complications. Prolonged levels of high blood sugar in anyone with diabetes can lead to long-term complications ranging from heart disease, kidney failure, foot complications, eye complications and nerve damage.

Additional Reading

• To Reveal or Not to Reveal Your Diagnosis?
  • Hear how this woman handles the uncomfortable work situation when she is offered sweets.
• Diabetes is Not Your Fault
  • Dealing with a diabetes diagnosis is hard enough, and blaming yourself does not help. Learn that you are not alone and how to manage this emotionally impacting health reality.