Type 2 Diabetes - GCSE Biology Definition

Type 2 Diabetes is a medical condition that affects how the body controls blood sugar levels. When you eat, your body breaks down food into sugar, which enters your bloodstream. Normally, a hormone called insulin is released by the pancreas and helps lower blood sugar levels by moving glucose from the blood into body cells, where it is used for energy or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. In Type 2 Diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly, leading to high levels of sugar in the blood. Over time, this can cause problems such as damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, which often begins in childhood, Type 2 Diabetes is more common in adults but can also occur in younger people, often due to factors such as being overweight and not getting enough exercise.