- Previously referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, and accounts for about 90% of people with diabetes, usually over the age of 40.
- The pancreas produces enough insulin but the insulin cannot help the glucose enter into the cells because the cells are resistant to insulin action.
- Tendency to develop Type 2 diabetes increases if you:
- have close relatives with the disease
- are overweight (the cells of fat people make it more difficult for insulin to function properly - called insulin resistance).
- lack of physical activity
- diagnosed to have
- high blood pressure (hypertension)
- high blood cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia)
- have frequent miscarriages or history of delivering big babies
- history of polycystic ovarian syndrome
- prediabetes
- The most common signs are frequent urination, constant thirst and hunger, weight loss, tiredness. It is important to note that most people with type 2 diabetes do not know that they have the disease because of lack of symptoms. These people may discover that they have diabetes through routine blood sugar check or when they are admitted to hospital with complications.
- Management of Type 2 diabetes is by following a healthy diet and regular exercise. Medication(s) may be prescribed if lifestyle adjustments are not sufficient to control blood sugar levels.