Introduction

type II diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, NIDDM,Diabetes mellitus,

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.

The hormone insulin produced by the pancreas is responsible for controlling the amount of glucose in the blood

There are two main types of diabetes:

  • type 1 where the pancreas doesn't produce any insulin
  • type 2 where the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or the body's cells don't react to insulin

These pages are about type2 diabetes.

Typical symptoms include:

  • feeling very thirsty
  • passing urine more often than usual, particularly at night
  • feeling very tired
  • weight loss and loss of muscle bulk

Read more about the symptoms of type 2 diabetes .

It's very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as soon as possible asit will get progressively worse if left untreated.

Read about how type 2 diabetes is diagnosed .

Causes of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body's cells don't react to insulin. This means glucose stays in the blood and isn't used as fuel for energy.

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and tends to be diagnosed in older people. It's far more common than type 1 diabetes.

Read about the causes and risk factors for type 2 diabetes .

Treating type 2 diabetes

As type 2 diabetes usually gets worse, you may eventually need medication usually tablets to keep your blood glucose at normal levels.

It's the most common cause of Visual impairment in people of working age.

Everyone with diabetes aged 12 or over should be invited to have their eyes screened once a year for diabetic retinopathy .

Diabetes is also responsible for most cases of kidney failure and lower limb amputation, other than accidents.

People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to have cardiovascular disease , such as a stroke , than those without diabetes.

This also minimises your risk of developing complications.

 
Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 19 Jan 2017