Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (biochemistry)

Type 2 is the predominant form of Diabetes Mellitus. Patients are not dependent on exogenous insulin for life, because insulin production is not reduced, or is reduced less than in the case of type 1 DM.

The cause of this type of diabetes lies in the malfunction of insulin action. This is the so-called resistance to insulin (insulin resistance) due to a malfunction of the insulin receptor or a malfunction in the transmission of the insulin signal to the cell.

Blood insulin concentrations are initially elevated due to insulin resistance. In the further course of the disease, a disorder of insulin secretion also occurs, β-cells gradually lose their ability to respond to increased glucose levels by synthesizing insulin.

The disease manifests mainly in adulthood, usually over the age of 40. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has a high heritability, so a family history is often evident. Unlike type 1, patients are not prone to ketoacidosis. In 60-90% it is associated with obesity.

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related articles:


 * Diabetes mellitus
 * gestational diabetes mellitus
 * diabetes mellitus type I
 * metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance