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This form of diabetes is the most common and generally occurs in adults, but is on the rise in children and young adults. Risk factors include family history of diabetes, being over the ideal weight, a sedentary lifestyle, having diabetes during pregnancy and being a member of certain racial or ethnic groups. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, Native Americans, and some Asian American and Pacific Islanders are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes. It usually begins as insulin resistance, a disorder in which the cells in the body cannot use insulin effectively. As a result of this resistance, sugar cannot get into the body’s cells, and remains trapped in the bloodstream. When the blood sugar remains high, the pancreas overcompensates and produces more insulin. Eventually, the insulin producing "beta" cells no longer function properly, resulting in decreased insulin production and elevated blood sugar levels.
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