type 2 diabetes mellitus

(T2DM) one of the two major types of diabetes mellitus, characterized by peak age of onset between 50 and 60 years, gradual onset with few symptoms of metabolic disturbance (glycosuria and its consequences), and no need for exogenous insulin; dietary control with or without oral hypoglycemic is usually effective. Obesity and genetic factors may also be present. Diagnosis is based on laboratory tests indicating glucose intolerance. Basal insulin secretion is maintained at normal or reduced levels, but insulin release in response to a glucose load is delayed or reduced. Defective glucose receptors on the beta cells of the pancreas may be involved. It is often accompanied by disease of various sizes of blood vessels, particularly the large ones, which leads to premature atherosclerosis with myocardial infarction or stroke syndrome. Called also adult-onset, maturity-onset, non–insulin-dependent, and Type II d. mellitus.