Type 2 Diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Blood glucose is your main source of energy and comes mainly from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 95% of diabetes cases worldwide. It often develops over many years, with the result that a great number of people remain undiagnosed even as their bodies are being damaged by excess blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes and its complications are largely preventable, but remain responsible for millions of premature deaths and disabilities, especially in the developing world.

It is largely preventable, but remains responsible for millions of deaths and many more disabling and life-threatening complications.