Type 2 Diabetes
The
most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. About 90 to 95
percent of people with diabetes have type 2. This form of diabetes
is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes,
previous history of gestational diabetes, physical inactivity,
and ethnicity. About 80 percent of people with type 2 diabetes
are overweight.
Type
2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and
adolescents. However, nationally representative data on prevalence
of type 2 diabetes in youth are not available.
When
type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the pancreas is usually producing
enough insulin, but for unknown reasons, the body cannot use the
insulin effectively, a condition called insulin resistance. After
several years, insulin production decreases. The result is the
same as for type 1 diabetes--glucose builds up in the blood and
the body cannot make efficient use of its main source of fuel.
The
symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop gradually. Their onset is
not as sudden as in type 1 diabetes. Symptoms may include fatigue
or nausea, frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss, blurred
vision, frequent infections, and slow healing of wounds or sores.
Some people have no symptoms.
What
are the types of diabetes?
The three main types of diabetes are:
Type
1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Gestational diabetes
More
Diabetes Information:
American
Diabetes Association
What is Diabetes Management