Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes was previously known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. This is the most common form of diabetes diagnosed among adu1ts of all ages and races. Although that is the case, type 2 diabetes is more common among African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.

In type 2 diabetes occurs either when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignores the insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops slowly and the symptoms are usually less severe than in people with type 1 diabetes. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all and they are only diagnosed after routine medical check-up.

Having type 2 diabetes may increase the risk for many serious complications such as:

• Heart disease (cardiovascular disease)
• Blindness (retinopathy)
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Kidney damage (nephropathy).

Type 2 diabetes is usually associated with old age, obesity, and family history, or diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity.