Type 2 Diabetes

A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin, or it resists insulin.

EndocrinologyMetabolic DisorderChronic DiseaseLast updated: October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.

Common Treatments

Diet, exercise, medication, and insulin therapy.

Risk Factors

Weight, age, genetics, and activity level.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong disease that keeps your body from using insulin the way it should. Your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

When there isn't enough insulin or the insulin isn't used properly, sugar builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy. This can eventually lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Symptoms

Increased Thirst

Excess sugar building up in your bloodstream pulls fluid from your tissues.

Frequent Urination

As a result of excessive drinking and sugar processing, you may urinate more often.

Blurred Vision

High levels of blood sugar pull fluid from the lenses of your eyes, affecting focus.

Increased Hunger

Without enough insulin to move sugar into cells, your muscles and organs lack energy.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

Type 2 diabetes develops when the pancreas can't make enough insulin and cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar. The exact reasons for this remain a subject of active clinical research.

Key Risk Factors

  • Weight: Excess fat, especially around the abdomen.
  • Inactivity: Physical activity helps control weight and uses glucose.
  • Family History: Increased risk if a parent or sibling has it.
  • Age: Risk increases as you get older, especially after 45.

Management & Treatment

1. Monitoring Blood Sugar

Regular testing of your blood sugar level is the best way to ensure that you stay within your target range. Your doctor will advise you on how often to check.

2. Healthy Eating & Exercise

There's no specific diabetes diet. You'll need to focus on more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while cutting back on refined carbs and sweets.

3. Medication

If diet and exercise aren't enough, you might need diabetes medications or insulin therapy. These help lower your blood sugar levels in various ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Type 2 Diabetes be reversed?
While there is no cure, some people are able to reach normal blood sugar levels without medication through significant weight loss and lifestyle changes. This is often called "remission."
How is it different from Type 1?
Type 1 is an autoimmune reaction where the body stops making insulin. Type 2 is a condition where the body doesn't use insulin well and can't keep blood sugar at normal levels.

Sources and further reading

Last updated October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.