Today type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin as in “insulin resistance”. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body produces insulin but does not use it properly.

Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

* Initially, your cells may be starved for energy.
* Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.

Finding out you have diabetes can be scary, but don’t panic. Type 2 diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes live long, healthy, happy lives.

While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.