Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 18.2 million people (that's 6.3% of the population) in the U.S. have diabetes — although as many as half of them don't even know it.

Having diabetes means that your blood sugar is too high. Sugar, or glucose, is the basic source of fuel for many of the body's organs. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows sugar to move from the blood into the cells, where it can be used for energy.

Two types of diabetes

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. People with type 1 diabetes do not make insulin at all. Only 5% to 10% of all people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is far more common, accounting for 90% to 95% of all cases. When you have type 2 diabetes, your body has two problems with insulin: Your pancreas doesn't make enough of it, and your body has a hard time using it.

As a result, the amount of sugar in your blood isn't properly managed. Blood sugar levels are especially hard to control after mealtimes, when they are prone to surges, or "spikes." Over time, elevated blood sugar levels begin to cause problems with other tissues in the body.

Though science has made progress in the study of diabetes over the last several years, researchers still aren't sure exactly what causes it. The road to good health begins with a diabetes control plan. Managing the blood sugar spikes that occur after you eat can lower your overall blood sugar, also known as HbA1c, and help you avoid complications caused by diabetes.