Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complete Overview
Contents
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes. It is a chronic condition that affects how your body uses glucose, its main source of fuel.
Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, even in childhood, but it occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. Your risk is higher if you are 45 or older, have a family history of diabetes, or have overweight or obesity.
Types of Diabetes Mellitus
The main types of diabetes mellitus are:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus (once called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes)
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (once called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes)
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (diabetes that develops during pregnancy)
There are also less common types, such as monogenic diabetes and diabetes caused by damage to the pancreas.
In type 2 diabetes mellitus, the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin well (insulin resistance). Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose move into cells such as muscle, fat and liver cells.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus used to be called adult-onset or maturity-onset diabetes mellitus. Today more children are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, linked to rising childhood obesity and family history.
Type 2 diabetes usually progresses slowly. If it is not treated, high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves over time.
That damage can lead to kidney failure, eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy, heart disease, stroke and nerve damage. It also raises the risk of foot ulcers and amputation.
Key Points of type 2 diabetes
- Treatment starts with healthy eating, physical activity and weight management. Many people also need diabetes medicines, and some need insulin.
- It occurs most often in people 45 and older, but it can start at any age.
- It is more common in people with overweight or obesity.
- It develops when the body's cells respond poorly to insulin and the pancreas cannot keep up by making enough.
- Losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight, if you are overweight, can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in people at risk.
Causes for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes happens when your body becomes resistant to insulin and your pancreas cannot make enough insulin to overcome it. Both genes and lifestyle play a role. Risk factors include:
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Age 45 or older
- An eating pattern high in calories, refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks and low in fiber
- A history of gestational diabetes or prediabetes
- Being African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly, over several years. Many people have no symptoms, and some only find out when they develop a diabetes-related problem. Possible symptoms include:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
- Frequent infections
- Slow-healing sores
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- Darkening of skin, especially in the armpits and neck
Management Of Type 2 Diabetes
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but it can be managed well. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management, good sleep and not smoking are the foundation.
Many people also need diabetes medicines, which may include pills or injectable medicines such as insulin injection. Type 2 diabetes tends to progress over time, so more than one medicine may be needed later.
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol matters too. Work with your health care team on a diabetes care plan, and see a doctor for testing if you have risk factors or symptoms.
Sources
- Type 2 Diabetes, NIDDK
- Diabetes Tests & Diagnosis, NIDDK
