Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.  In the past, almost all people who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were (older) adults. As a result, the condition was previously called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult-onset diabetes.

However, type 2 diabetes is now being diagnosed in teenagers and children. This may be related to a higher body weight or increasing obesity.

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes insulin. However, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body cannot properly use the insulin that is being released (known as insulin resistance). In either case, this causes blood sugar levels to increase, with the body not able to use the sugar that is in the blood.

Some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their diabetes with exercise and a healthy diet, while others will also require oral medication (pills). If these treatments do not work, insulin injections might also be required.

Information taken from https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1718&language=English