Diabetes type 2 is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes (or mature onset diabetes) and as the name implies it means that type diabetics are not reliant on daily insulin injections and was most often seen in mature age persons. In type 2 diabetic patients, the pancreas (the organ responsible for insulin production) not able to produce sufficient insulin or the
insulin that is produces is properly used by the body. Type 2 diabetics are said to be insulin resistant because the insulin produced by the pancreas is not like it should, as a result the poor pancreas is overloaded and tries to make more and more insulin, eventually damaging its ability to do so.

About 85 to 90% of diabetics are diagnosed as type 2 diabetics making it the most common type of diabetes among humans. There are many factors that pose a risk of getting diabetes type 2 and these include: a family history of diabetes, being overweight, or of certain ethnic backgrounds. Also at risk are those with poor or unhealthy eating habits, and those who
engage in very little exercise or physical activity in their lives.

Unlike type 1 diabetes which occurs predominantly in children and younger adults, type 2 diabetes on the other hand occurs primarily in adults. Although recent research has seen an increasing occurrence of type 2 diabetes in children and youths. This is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed.

Since symptoms develop gradually overtime the symptoms of type 2 diabetes often go undiagnosed until quite late. Symptom to look out for include those for type 1 (tiredness, fatigue, frequent urination, thirsty, loss of weight that is unaccounted for. They can also include vision blur, infections of the skin, numbness or tingling of your feet. But these symptoms are not always present or noticeable. Type 2 diabetics often have high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol and carry excess baggage (weight) around the middle.

As in all types of diabetes the disease is best managed with a combination of eating a healthy diet and moderate exercise and lifestyle changes. In more severe cases of type 2 diabetes tablets or insulin injections may be required. However this can often be delayed if the lifestyle changes are implemented early and followed carefully.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, diabetes type 2 can be prevented and in another article we will discuss what we can do to prevent it and examine the various diabetes type 2 risk factors, including those we can change and those that we can’t change.

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