What is Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is when your body has trouble using sugar properly.

Imagine you're eating a big bowl of cereal for breakfast, that's like getting a bunch of energy in the form of sugar. Normally, your body takes that sugar and turns it into fuel. But with Type 2 diabetes, it's more like trying to put too many toys into a small toy box, there’s just not enough room.

Your body uses insulin, which is like a special key, to help get the sugar from your blood into your cells. When you have Type 2 diabetes, either your body doesn’t make enough insulin or it doesn't use it well, kind of like having a rusty key that can’t open the lock properly.

At first, your body might try harder to use the sugar. But over time, it gets tired of working so hard, and the sugar stays in your blood longer than it should. That’s why people with Type 2 diabetes often feel tired or sluggish, their bodies aren’t getting the fuel they need.

It's like when you're trying to ride your bike uphill, at first, you can push through, but after a while, it gets harder and harder.