About Type 2 Diabetes

This used to be called non-insulin dependent diabetes or mature-age onset diabetes. It is by far the most common form, affecting 85-90% of all people with diabetes. While it usually affects mature adults, more and more younger people, even children, are getting Type 2 diabetes.

Most people with Type 2 diabetes are insulin resistant. Insulin resistant means that the cells of the body do not properly respond to insulin and the pancreas tries to overcome this problem by making more insulin. Eventually it can’t make enough insulin to keep the glucose/insulin levels balanced.

People with Type 2 diabetes who consistently follow a healthy lifestyle may delay the need for medication to maintain good health, but almost all will require medication or insulin at some stage to maintain good diabetes control.

Diabetes is a progressive disease and over time the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. This increases the risk of problems that are caused by having persistently high blood glucose levels.

To prevent these problems medications (tablets or insulin) are started. Starting medications help keep the blood glucose at a level that ensures the person stays well and is free of health problems caused by diabetes.