Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to use insulin properly, a situation known as insulin resistance, and often combined with insufficient insulin production by the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from food enter the cells to be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose in the bloodstream

. This condition was once called adult-onset diabetes because it typically develops in middle-aged or older adults, but it is increasingly seen in younger people, including children, especially with rising obesity rates

. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

. Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications if untreated, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye problems including blindness, and poor circulation that may result in amputations

. The disease develops gradually and can go undiagnosed for years. Risk factors include being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, family history, certain ethnic backgrounds, age over 45, and conditions like high blood pressure or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

. Management involves lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, regular exercise, weight control, and monitoring blood sugar levels. When lifestyle changes are insufficient, medications including oral drugs and insulin therapy may be necessary to control blood glucose levels

. While there is no cure, some people can achieve remission through sustained lifestyle changes

. In summary, type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder where insulin resistance and/or inadequate insulin production cause high blood sugar, leading to various health risks that require ongoing management