  Type 2 diabetes has been called NIDDM and adult-onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, so exogenous insulin is not always required. The insulin resistance is primarily exhibited by the liver and skeletal muscle, and to a lesser extent, by adipose tissue.
Possible causes of type 2 diabetes include:
- diminished insulin receptors on target cells
- ineffective insulin receptors
- problem in the translocation of glucose transport proteins in response to insulin (post-receptor events)
- genetic component
Older age, obesity, android (central) body fat distribution, and family history are risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Some type 2 diabetics will say they have "borderline diabetes". It is important to note that there is no such thing as borderline diabetes - you either have it or you don't!
|
