What is Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the body is unable to make enough insulin, or cannot properly use the insulin it does make. Type 2 accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases and is nearing epidemic proportions in the United States. This is due in part to a greater prevalence of obesity, inactivity, and an aging population.
Treatment for Type 2 diabetes varies. Regular exercise, an appropriate diet and healthy lifestyle are essential components for all people diagnosed with diabetes. Consultation with a Certified Diabetes Educator can provide valuable tools for living with diabetes. Read our Guide to Living with Type 2 Diabetes.
Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes
- Frequent urination
- Unusual or extreme thirst
- Extreme hunger or unusual weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Irritability
- Frequent infections
- Blurred vision
- Wounds that are slow to heal
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Recurring skin, gum bladder or yeast infections
Risk Factors
- Over age 45
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight
- Lack of regular exercise
- Low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides
- High-risk ethnic group (e.g., African Americans, Latinos, Asian & Pacific Islanders and Native Americans)
- Women who had gestational diabetes or delivered a baby weighing over nine pounds
Detailed information from Healthwise on Type 2 diabetes: