Type-2 diabetes used to be known as adult onset, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes. Type-2 diabetes tends to run in families and more common in people who are overweight or obese. The incident rate is increasing, correlating with the increase in obesity in the population. 

Type-2 diabetes is characterized by the body not making enough of the hormone insulin to control the blood sugar levels. Sometimes the cells in the body can also become "insulin resistant" to normal levels of the hormone resulting in higher levels of insulin being required. 

One of the major problems with Type 2 diabetes is in its early stages symptoms can be so mild they go unnoticed.  Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms.

If present, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes could include:

• Blurred vision
• Cuts or sores that take a long time to heal
• Itching skin or yeast infections
• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• Leg pain

The 'first-line' treatment for Type 2 diabetes is diet, weight control and physical activity. If blood glucose level remains high despite these lifestyle changes then tablets to reduce the blood glucose level are usually prescribed. In some cases insulin injections are needed if the blood glucose level remains too high despite taking tablets.