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Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin is a hormone that allows the cells in your body to take up and use blood glucose (sugar). The glucose comes from the food that you eat. In a person without diabetes, insulin is released when needed (for example, after a meal), which allows the tissues of the body to take up the right amount of glucose.

In type 2 diabetes, the cells of your body become resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, or a combination of both. It develops slowly and gradually over a long period of time, so the condition may not be diagnosed for a long time.

With the insulin not working as it should, blood glucose cannot be taken up and used by the body tissues e.g. the muscles. Because the glucose is not being used up, levels will rise. High levels of glucose can cause long term health problems.

Type 2 diabetes is often found in middle-aged or elderly people, but it is increasingly being diagnosed in early adulthood, and sometimes even in childhood. It is common in families and is particularly common in certain ethnic groups.

In the early stages, the disease can be managed with diet and exercise. As it progresses, or if diagnosed at a later stage, it may be managed with tablets or insulin injections.