What is it?

Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar (glucose), which is the body's main source of fuel. With insulin resistant diabetes, the body either resists the effects of insulin - a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cells - or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. If left unmanaged, insulin resistant diabetes can lead to severe complications.

Risk Factors for Insulin Resistant Diabetes

Several factors increase the risk of developing insulin resistant diabetes. Having a close family member with diabetes increases risk as genetics play a role. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor as excess weight causes insulin resistance. Other risk factors include physical inactivity, high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Certain ethnic groups such as Hispanic/Latino Americans, African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have higher rates of insulin resistant diabetes. Having a history of gestational Type 2 Diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds also raises risk.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

The symptoms of insulin resistant diabetes can be subtle and develop gradually over time. Some early symptoms include excessive thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, fatigue and irritability. However, many people have no symptoms at all for years before diagnosis. If left untreated, symptoms may progress to include infections that are slow to heal, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet among others. Diagnosis involves two fasting blood glucose tests or hemoglobin A1c that confirm glucose levels are outside the normal range.

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