The body fails to use and store glucose (blood sugar) properly.

Many people with the disease don't know they have it. It most often develops in middle-aged, obese adults, although younger people, even children, can develop it.

The pancreas produces insulin.

Insulin unlocks the cell door so that a chemical reaction can take place and produce energy.

People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease and neurological damage than people who do not have diabetes.

For daily management, eating raises blood sugar, exercising lowers it. Each must be done carefully to balance blood-sugar levels. Over the years, a balance between eating and exercise prevents weight gain and obesity. Excess weight can make it more difficult to manage diabetes.

The reason for this is unknown. Heredity is not necessarily a factor.

Steroid medications like prednisone can raise blood sugar.

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents.