Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is generally characterized as the "Adult Onset Diabetes"as well as the “Overweight Diabetes.”

Type 2 diabetes generally develops in middle age or later, has a more gradual onset, and is associated with overweight conditions. Type 2 Diabetes is associated with insulin resistance rather than the lack of insulin seen in Type 1 Diabetes.

Because of Type 2’s diabetes symptom of insulin resistance, there is a general consensus many suffering from its effects are the result of hereditary conditions. Insulin levels in these patients are usually normal or higher than average but the body's cells are rather sluggish to respond to it. This lack of insulin activity results in higher than normal blood glucose levels.

Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 exists in all populations, but its prevalence varies greatly:

• Only about 1% in Japan have Type 2 diabetes
• More than 40% of Arizona’s Pima Indians have Type 2 diabetes
• Approximately 1% - 2% of Caucasians suffer Type 2 diabetes

The high incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in certain groups such as the Pima Indians is a recent development and appears to be the result of greater food intakes and the resulting obesity. This "urbanization phenomenon" has been most carefully studied in nonwhite populations, but is probably ethnically and racially nonspecific. In other words, obesity tends to promote diabetes in those genetically predisposed, regardless of your race or where you live.

Causes Of Type 2 Diabetes

There appears to be a number of causes for Type 2 Diabetes. Among them are:

• Genetics
• Obesity along with a high caloric intake

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