Diabetes mellitus type 2

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (formerly Diabetes mellitus type II and also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes) is a metabolic disorder. The onset of the disease is commonest in middle age and later life. It can usually be controlled by diet and exercise, and unlike diabetes mellitus type 1 (juvenile diabetes) it often does not necessitate the use of insulin injections, because insulin production in the pancreas is still possible.

The term non-insulin-dependent is a misnomer - some patients must start insulinotherapy some time in the course of their disease.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 is often associated with obesity, and with the conditions insulin resistance and PCOS or syndrome X.

See diabetes for further information.