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What is type 2 diabetes?

  • Type 2 diabetes is a common condition where your body cannot make enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes does not work properly (insulin resistance).
  • Insulin helps your body use glucose (sugar) for energy. Without enough insulin, the level of glucose in your blood becomes too high.
  • Type 2 diabetes is different to type 1 diabetes, which is caused by a problem with your immune system. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes may be prevented.
  • You can manage type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise, or medicines.
  • Having high blood glucose levels can cause complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke or nerve problems.
  • It may be possible to prevent type 2 diabetes or stop it (remission) by losing weight and improving your diet.

Page last reviewed: 10 February 2025
Next review due: 10 February 2028