# Overview of Type 2 Diabetes Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition where your blood sugar levels become too high. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps transport glucose from your blood into your cells for energy. In type 2 diabetes, your body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, and in later stages, your body may not produce enough insulin. ## Warning Signs Early symptoms can be mild and easy to dismiss, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe and include blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections. ## Diagnostic Tests To diagnose type 2 diabetes, doctors often use blood tests like the A1C test, fasting blood sugar test, and oral glucose tolerance test. ## Medications Common medications include metformin, which helps lower blood sugar levels, and insulin, which is necessary if your body can’t produce enough on its own. Other medications may also be prescribed to help manage the condition. ## Complications Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and eye problems. ## Risk Factors Risk factors include obesity, inactivity, family history, and age. Certain ethnic groups are also at higher risk. ## Type 2 Diabetes in Children The incidence of type 2 diabetes in children is increasing. Risk factors include obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms are similar to those in adults. ## Management Managing type 2 diabetes involves lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular exercise. Monitoring blood sugar levels and taking prescribed medications are also crucial. ## Prevention While you can’t change factors like genetics, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying active.