Often with change in environmental factors (diet changes, weight loss, and exercise), a type 2 diabetic can regain acceptable glycemic control. If not, oral hypoglycemic medication is required. An absolute insulin deficiency may develop late in the disease and insulin would then be required.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for the majority of those with diabetes, probably 80-90%. Ordinarily insulin resistance and deficiency develop in adult years. Due to poor diet and decreased physical activity, many young adults and school-age children are currently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in US.
Type 2 diabetes was formerly Type II Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) and referred to as adult-onset diabetes. Again the ADA recommends discontinued use of these designations.
