What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when the body either cannot properly use the insulin it produces (known as insulin resistance) or it does not produce enough insulin.3
Generally, when we eat, our bodies convert glucose (sugar) into energy, which is done by a hormone called insulin. However, in people with type 2 diabetes, this conversion doesn’t happen because their bodies are resistant to insulin. This means glucose (sugar) stays in the blood, rather than moving to the cells to be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to regularly monitor their blood glucose levels, as high blood glucose levels over time can cause damage to various parts of the body. These are known as diabetes complications and can include heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and lower limb amputation.4