Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and higher than normal blood glucose levels. T2DM affects 422 million individuals globally. Long term complications of uncontrolled diabetes include blindness, limb amputation, heart disease and kidney disease. Diabetes diagnosis and complications are more common among minority populations and individuals with lower socioeconomic status. Expanding the knowledge base of the disease process and self-management can help with glycemic control and improve patient outcomes.