Insulin is a hormone that controls the level of the sugar, glucose, in the bloodstream. Insulin reduces blood glucose levels by stimulating cells in the body to utilize glucose for energy. Insulin is produced by special cells, called beta cells, within the pancreas.

In type 2 diabetes, the cells do not respond properly to insulin, and glucose levels rise in the bloodstream.

Causes of type 2 diabetes include:

• Obesity
• Hereditary factors:
• Tends to run in families