Type-2 - Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes

This type of diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes or maturity onset diabetes. It rarely develops before the age of 40 years, although it can occur at any age. Infact the incidence of type-2 diabetes in adolescents is on the rise. Yet because the symptoms are mild, these may not be noticed and the condition remains undetected for a long period and till later years.

Most people come to know they have type-2 diabetes only when a urine test reveals the presence of sugar, or a blood test shows the presence of high blood-glucose levels. People suffering from this type of diabetes may have normal levels of insulin in their blood, but the body cells in these individuals reject insulin, and as a result, sugar stays and the sugar level in the bloodstream rises.

This phenomenon is known as insulin resistant state. Exactly what causes the cells to become resistant to insulin is not yet clear, but excess weight and fatty tissues seem to be important reasons. Most people who develop type -2 diabetes also tend to be overweight.

Type-2 is the most common form of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 85 to 90 per cent of all cases. Four out of five persons with this condition are generally overweight and, in most cases, were overweight before the development of the diabetes.

One common factor in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes is higher blood sugar levels. However, unlike type-1 diabetes, type-2 is not a disease of the immune system. People with type-1 diabetes have to use insulin to live, most of those with type-2 diabetes are able to control the disease and even reverse the condition. This is possible by a combination of appropriate diet, proper weight control and adequate exercise. However, those who are unable to control the disease may eventually become insulin dependent.

Suggested sites for Type-2 Diabetes