Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
Many people in Appalachia call this "sugar diabetes." Type 2 diabetes results when the body does not make enough insulin or makes less insulin than the body needs. Sometimes, the body does not use the insulin well, which results in what is called insulin resistance. Some people try to avoid taking insulin. Sometimes they are afraid of shots and want to avoid ever having to take them. The shots with insulin are likely different than other shots people might have. The needles are small and fine. Sometimes the best way to get diabetes in control fast is with insulin shots. The doctor will help people with diabetes find the best thing to do. Everyone does not always need the same care.
In type 2 diabetes, the body often makes some insulin. The pancreas of some people with this type of diabetes may still make some insulin. They might take pills. Other people might have a pancreas that is not working at all or enough. These people will need to take insulin injections.
Type 2 diabetes happens most often in middle-aged adults. However, in the last few years, many teens and some children are also being diagnosed. Persons with type 2 diabetes have often gained too much weight and do not get enough activity. Being overweight or obese puts people at risk for this type of diabetes whether they are young or old. Being active and eating healthy can help prevent this kind of diabetes.
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