Diabetes mellitus type 2 |Diabetes mellitus type 2|
|Classification and external resources| Universal blue circle
symbol for diabetes. Diabetes mellitus type 2 (formerly
noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset
diabetes) is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by high
blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative
insulin deficiency. This is in contrast to diabetes mellitus
type 1, in which there is an absolute insulin deficiency due to
destruction of islet cells in the pancreas. The classic symptoms
are excess thirst, frequent urination, and constant hunger. Type
2 diabetes makes up about 90% of cases of diabetes with the
other 10% due primarily to diabetes mellitus type 1 and
gestational diabetes. Obesity is thought to be the primary cause
of type 2 diabetes in people who are genetically predisposed to
the disease. Type 2 diabetes is initially managed by increasing
exercise and dietary modification. If blood glucose levels are
not adequately lowered by these measu