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Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, affects about 90 percent of the population with diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, two things may happen that cause blood glucose levels to be high:

  • Glucose may not be able to enter the cells even though there is enough insulin produced. This is called insulin resistance.
  • The pancreas may not make enough insulin to overcome the resistance. This is called insulin deficiency.

Comparison of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Type 2
  • usually a sudden onset
  • unexplained rapid weight loss
  • increase in thirst and urination
  • increase in appetite
  • very tired or fatigued
  • nausea or vomiting
  • must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump
  • may have no symptoms at all
  • gradual onset
  • increase in thirst and urination
  • increase in appetite
  • fatigue
  • slow-healing cuts
  • frequent infections
  • blurred vision
  • may be treated with meal planning, increase in activity level, medication, insulin or a combination of these

 

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