A person with type 2 diabetes does not regulate blood sugar levels properly, because the body does not respond to insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that reduces blood glucose levels by stimulating the body to utilize glucose for energy. The lack of response to insulin in someone with type 2 diabetes results in blood sugar levels that are higher than normal.

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in the United States due to an increase in obesity.

The successful management of type 2 diabetes includes occasional monitoring of blood glucose levels.