When you eat, your body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose. At that point, your pancreas is supposed to release insulin.

Insulin is a hormone that is supposed to help glucose enter your cells so your body can use the glucose for energy.

In people with diabetes, this system does not work—either because the body cannot make enough insulin (type 1) or it does not use the insulin it does create (type 2). There are other forms of diabetes, including gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy.

Even if you are at a higher risk, you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes with proven, achievable lifestyle changes—such as losing weight and getting more physically active.

For more information and a printable reference sheet, read Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity.