What is Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes

Previously called adult onset diabetes or NIDDM (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus), though sometimes people with type 2 diabetes are treated with insulin.

Who gets type 2 diabetes?

• Nine out of ten people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
• Some people are more likely to get type 2 diabetes. They usually:
  - are overweight,
  - have a family history of type 2 diabetes,
  - are over the age of 45,
  - have a history of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes), and or,
  - have high blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes occurs more often in African-Americans, Latinos (Hispanic-Americans), Native-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Asians.

How does it happen?

• The pancreas does not make enough insulin, and/or your body cells are unable to use the insulin in the right way. This often happens when people are overweight.
• Some of the glucose can continue to move into the body cells but not in an adequate amount.
• The blood glucose will rise.

How do you feel?

• Type 2 diabetes begins and progresses slowly.
• Some people can have type 2 diabetes for a period of time before they are diagnosed.
• You may or may not have symptoms of high blood glucose. If you do have symptoms, they may include any of the following:

1. Increased thirst
2. Blurred vision
3. Frequent urination
4. Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
5. Weight loss
6. Blood sugar more than 180 mg/dl
7. Vaginal and skin infections
8. Slow-healing cuts and sores

What is Diabetes? | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes | Taking Diabetes on the Road
Complications of Diabetes