Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a form of diabetes mellitus that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin.

Signs and symptoms

Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, feeling tired, and sores that do not heal. Long-term complications from high blood sugar can include heart disease, stroke, diabetic retinopathy which can result in blindness, kidney failure, and poor blood flow in the limbs which may lead to amputation.

Causes

Type 2 diabetes is primarily due to lifestyle factors and genetics. A number of lifestyle factors are known to be important to the development of type 2 diabetes, including obesity (defined by a body mass index of greater than 30), lack of physical activity, poor diet, stress, and urbanization.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is by blood tests. If the results are normal, testing should be repeated at least every three years. However, if the results are borderline, testing should be done yearly.

Treatment

Management of type 2 diabetes focuses on lifestyle changes, lowering other cardiovascular risk factors, and maintaining a normal body weight. Dietary changes, physical activity, and weight loss are important in managing type 2 diabetes.

See also

• Diabetes mellitus type 1
• Gestational diabetes
• Prediabetes
• Metabolic syndrome

External links

• World Health Organization - Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus Resources
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