Diabetes mellitus type 2 (formerly
noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or
adult-onset diabetes) is a
metabolic disorder that is characterized by
hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in the context of
insulin resistance and relative lack of
insulin. This is in contrast to diabetes mellitus type 1, in which there is an absolute lack of insulin due to breakdown 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
ue 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 (although this is not the case in people of East-Asian ancestry).