Although not everyone with type 2 diabetes is overweight, obesity and an inactive lifestyle are t…

Although not everyone with type 2 diabetes is overweight, obesity and an inactive lifestyle are two of the most common causes of type 2 diabetes. These things are responsible for about 90% to 95% of diabetes cases.

*What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?*

When you're healthy, your pancreas releases insulin to help your body store and use sugar from the food you eat.

Diabetes happens when one or more of the following occurs:

Your pancreas doesn't make any insulin.

Your pancreas makes very little insulin.

Your body doesn’t respond the way it should to insulin

Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes make insulin. But the insulin their pancreas releases isn’t enough, or their body can't recognize the insulin and use it properly. (insulin resistance.)

When there isn't enough insulin or the insulin isn't used as it should be, glucose (sugar) can't get into your cells. It builds up in your bloodstream instead. This can damage many areas of the body. Also, since cells aren't getting the glucose they need, they don't work the way they should.