Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

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Diabetes mellitus type 2 – formerly non-insulin-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. Diabetes is often initially managed by increasing exercise and dietary modification. If the condition progresses, medications may be needed. Often affecting the obese, diabetes requires patients to routinely check their blood sugar.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, there is very little tendency toward ketoacidosis although it is not unheard of.[3] One effect that can occur is nonketonic hyperglycemia. Long-term complications from high blood sugar can include increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetic retinopathy where eye sight is affected, and kidney failure. For extreme cases, circulation of limbs is affected, potentially requiring amputation. Loss of hearing, eyesight, and cognitive ability has also been linked to this condition.

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Signs and symptoms
The classic symptoms of diabetes are polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger), fatigue and weight loss. Type II diabetes has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction and dementia through disease processes such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Researchers have shown that reduced glucose tolerance has deleterious effects on memory in the elderly, and concomitant hippocampal atrophy.

Cause
Type 2 diabetes is due to a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. Recently, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or prenatal undernutrition (macro- and micronutrient) was identified as another probable factor A clue for this concept was the Dutch Hunger Winter (1944-1945) during World War II, and the pioneering work of Professor Barker.

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