Type 2 Diabetes, commonly known as adult-onset diabetes, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity-onset diabetes, is estimated to affect approximately 16 million Americans with 11.1 million who have been diagnosed, and as many as 5.9 million who have not.

Type Two Diabetes is usually caused by the inability of the pancreas to make enough insulin for the person’s needs. When insulin is not present or is ineffective, blood sugar can’t be processed properly and thus causing high levels of glucose in the bloodstream.

Like Type 1 Diabetes, high levels of glucose in the bloodstream for Type 2 can cause blindness, heart disease, blood vessel disease leading to amputations, kidney failure, stroke, and nerve damage with shortened life expectancy.

Obesity is the largest risk factor for Type II Diabetes and the rising incidence of obesity is contributing to a rising incidence of Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes symptoms usually occur in men and women over the age of 40. The symptoms may be mild and almost invisible, or easy to confuse with signs of aging.

The symptoms for Type 2 Diabetes may include increased thirst, hunger, fatigue, dry mouth, frequent urination or blurred vision. They may also include nausea, numbness in hands or feet, slow healing of wounds or sores, and frequent yeast infections or genital infections.

If you are experiencing any of the Type 2 Diabetes symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to undergo the Type 2 Diabetes test routines.

Knowing the classic Type 2 Diabetes symptoms earlier may save your life.