Type 2 diabetes, unlike type 1 diabetes, is non-insulin dependent. It is the most widespread type, because out of 21 million people with this disease, more than 90% of them suffer from kind of diabetes.
Unlike people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes patients can still produce insulin, though insufficiently. There are cases when insulin production is enough, but the body can’t identify the insulin so it is not utilized properly. When the body fails to recognize the insulin hormone, there is insulin-resistance. Either way, glucose is not converted into energy, causing a buildup in the bloodstream.
Glucose buildup in the bloodstream has other complications, one being dehydration, which is a symptom of diabetes. This is caused by frequent urination that is needed to get rid of the excess glucose in the bloodstream. Another complication is diabetic coma. This is caused by severe dehydration. Lastly, if the body is not able to get rid of the glucose in the bloodstream, damage to the nerves, small blood vessels, heart, and kidneys will occur over time.
Another difference from type 1 diabetes is that anyone of any age can get type 2 diabetes. People who have the highest chances of having this are those who are overweight, with family history of diabetes, and women who had gestational diabetes in a past pregnancy.
Its symptoms are extreme thirst, dry mouth, abnormally increased hunger, frequent urination, nausea, blurred vision, fatigue, and tingling of hands or feet. Another symptom is if a person has recurring skin, urinary tract, or vaginal infections.