diabetes, type 2

diabetes, type 2 A form of diabetes mellitus in which patients can still produce insulin, but do so relatively inadequately. Type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs mostly in individuals over 30 years old and the incidence increases with age. While there is a strong genetic component to developing this form of diabetes, there are other risk factors, particularly obesity. Symptoms include increased urine output, increased appetite and thirst, unexplained weight loss or fluctuation, and fatigue. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is first treated with weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugars, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered. Also known as non-insulindependent diabetes, adult-onset diabetes, or insulin-resistant diabetes. See also diabetes, type 1; diabetic neuropathy; diabetic retinopathy.