Diabetes mellitus type 2 diabetes is characterized by “insulin resistance,” as body cells do not respond appropriately when insulin is present. This is a more complex problem than type 1 but is often easier to treat, since insulin is still produced, especially in the initial years.

Type 2 may go unnoticed for years in a patient before diagnosis, since the symptoms are typically milder (no ketoacidosis) and can be sporadic. However, severe complications can result from unnoticed type 2 diabetes, including renal failure and coronary artery disease.

Type 2 is initially treated by changes in diet and through weight loss. This can restore insulin sensitivity, even when the weight lost is modest, e.g., around 5 kg (10 to 15 lb). The next step, if necessary, is treatment with oral antidiabetic drugs: the sulphonylureas, metformin, or (if these are insufficient) thiazolidinediones. If these fail, insulin therapy may be necessary to maintain normal glucose levels.

Glucose levels at 140 mg/dl and above determine type 2 diabetes in prediabetic patients. For patients with diabetes, a disciplined regimen of blood glucose checks is required. To strive for better control in type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes, glucose levels must be checked periodically to maintain a high standard of care and quality of life.