type 2 diabetes mellitus, a type of diabetes mellitus characterized by insulin resistance in appropriate hepatic glucose production and impaired insulin secretion. Onset is usually after 40 years of age but can occur at any age, including during childhood and adolescence. A strong family history of diabetes implies both genetic factors and environmental factors exist. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle superimposed on genetic susceptibility will hasten the onset of the disease. The majority (>90%) of persons with type 2 diabetes are obese; in these patients glucose tolerance is often improved by modest weight loss and an increase in activity. Persons with type 2 diabetes can manage their disorder with a meal plan; an increase in activity; oral antidiabetes agents such as insulin secretagogues, biguanides, alpha glucosidase inhibitors, and insulin sensitizers; and insulin. Maturity onset diabetes of the young is a rare type 2 diabetes, and an autosomal-dominant inheritance is clearly established. Also called type II diabetes mellitus. Formerly called adult-onset diabetes, ketosis-resistant diabetes, maturity-onset diabetes, non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, stabile diabetes. See also diabetes mellitus.
