What is type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that develops when the body either becomes resistant to or doesnt secrete enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the absorption of sugar into cells, and sugar (glucose) is the bodys main source of energy.

Diabetes affects nearly 200 million people worldwide and an estimated 21 million in the United States 7% of the population. The vast majority of diabetes patients have type 2 diabetes, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly in the industrialized world, in part due to the increase in obesity, one of the major risk factors for developing the disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, one third of Americans with diabetes are not even aware that they have the disease, and a further 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and which puts these individuals at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a risk factor for other serious conditions including heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage, and if left uncontrolled, the consequences can be life-threatening. However, type 2 diabetes can be managed and most importantly prevented. Eating healthy foods, getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are all known to be components of an effective prevention plan. If diet and exercise aren't enough, there are also medications that can help to manage blood sugar levels and insulin response to reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.

The following websites offer detailed information on type 2 diabetes as well as how to prevent and treat it: