Diabetes is a condition with which many struggle. It is estimated that 23 million Americans have some form of diabetes, some as of yet undiagnosed. Though there are two major types, each has very different origins and treatments, resulting in confusion from anyone unfamiliar with the condition. Read on if you’re curious about the cause of type 2 diabetes, as well as about how it is managed.

Both major types of diabetes involve our body’s interaction with insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas for the regulation of metabolism of specific compounds. In healthy bodies, insulin enters our bloodstreams after meals to process glucose, a simple sugar used for energy. Our body’s increased insulin production enables the glucose to enter cells, where it is either burned for immediate use or stored in fats for later.

In type 2 diabetes, this process does not happen. Formerly referred to as insulin-resistant diabetes, the cause of diabetes type 2 is that the body has the insulin it needs, but the cells don’t react to it as they should. Receptors on various cells that should help draw insulin into the membranes simply don’t attach. As such, cells don’t get the glucose they require. Heightened levels of glucose in the bloodstream cause the pancreas to continue producing insulin, which continues to go unused. This, in turn, stresses the pancreas and can lead to drops in insulin production.

Type 2 diabetes commonly appears during adulthood and accounts for 90% to 95% of diabetes cases. Unlike type 1 diabetes, the cause of diabetes type 2 is usually more within our control. Common risk factors include sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and high alcohol use. Genetics also play a role, as some ethnic groups and families are prone to higher rates of type 2 diabetes. Other rare causes include those resulting from damage to the pancreas itself, as well as temporary diabetes caused by certain types of drugs.

Type 2 diabetes generally develops slowly in adults. Symptoms include excess thirst, fatigue or urination, weight loss, blurred vision or tingling sensations in extremities. Symptoms differ in children, most of whom are overweight. While excessive urination is absent for children, they will usually develop a skin condition characterized by dark patches of skin.

While type 2 diabetes is a life-long condition, it is one that can usually be conveniently and healthily managed. Lifestyle changes such as healthier diet and increased exercise are often all that is necessary to manage type 2 diabetes. In other instances, oral drugs can be prescribed to help manage the body’s insulin levels. Learning to relax and to manage stress effectively is another healthy technique, as increased blood pressure has been linked to high cholesterol levels, which, in turn, links to diabetes. With the proper techniques and diligence, however, managing type 2 diabetes is usually fairly easily accomplished.