Definition & Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, once called adult-onset diabetes, is a long-term medical condition that can have life-threatening consequences if left untreated. Type 2 diabetes involves the body incorrectly metabolizing blood sugar, called glucose, which is the human body's primary source of fuel.

Definition

• Type 2 diabetes typically occurs when the body resists the effects of insulin, a hormone needed to move blood sugar into the cells. Type 2 diabetes can also occur when a patient's pancreas doesn't make enough insulin.

Causes

• Medical researchers still aren't sure exactly why a diabetic's body begins to resist insulin. Weight, dietary habits and lack of physical activity might be contributing factors.

Diagnosis

• A diagnosis for type 2 diabetes typically depends upon a patient suffering from the traditional diabetes symptoms of increased fatigue, hunger, thirst and urination. These symptoms must be backed up with the results of a blood glucose test. A blood sugar level above 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is a sign of diabetes.

A1C Test

• The most common blood test used to diagnose type 2 diabetes is the glycated hemoglobin test, also called the A1C test. This test determines a patient's average blood sugar level for the past several months by measuring how much glucose is attached to the hemoglobin, or the protein found in red blood cells.

Treatment

• Type 2 diabetes is typically treated with insulin or other glucose-lowering medications. Patients with type 2 diabetes generally monitor their blood glucose levels every day.