What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes, sometimes referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, is marked by elevated blood glucose levels. 

The problem starts at the insulin receptor sites on the cells’ surfaces—they simply won’t open up to let in glucose and other nutrients, regardless how much insulin is knocking at the door. This is a condition known as insulin resistance or insulin insensitivity, and is at the root of 90 percent of all diagnoses of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes symptoms can sneak up on you. The actual disease is usually discovered during routine blood tests when a high fasting blood glucose reading, usually in the 150 to 300 mg/dL range, is noted.

For the vast majority of people, eating a healthy diet, taking targeted nutritional supplements, increasing activity level, and losing weight will go a long way toward managing diabetes. In fact, these measures may well help you avoid diabetes altogether.