A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can bring with it feelings of guilt, regret and fear. While many have a genetic predisposition to the disease, it’s also tied to diet and weight problems. Its effects can be devastating–among them, blindness, heart disease and debilitating nerve damage.

The truth is that because of its association with a less than healthy lifestyle, diabetes often doesn’t elicit the same level of sympathy as many other chronic conditions. Yet it is a disease without a cure, one that can only be managed–and that requires a deep personal commitment.

Diabetes is a problem with your body that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal. This is also called hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.

If you have type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance. At first, your pancreas makes extra insulin to make up for it. But, over time it isn’t able to keep up and can’t make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.

Learn more on how to mange and control at http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/type-2/