Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes

[littlecat123]

Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin dependent.

In the US, it is becoming epidemic due to obesity. The body produces insulin -- but it either is not producing enough insulin or the body is not using the insulin effectively.

Patients with NIDDM may have to periodically take insulin to control high blood sugars but they are not dependent on it.

[Calypso]

People with Type II diabetes can end up on insulin injections--it's happened to both my best friend and my father. I have Type II diabetes and am currently on oral meds, but my doctor is considering switching me over to insulin injections since my blood sugar is still running high.

[Terri_R]

I agree with Calypso. Those with Type II can be insulin dependent. Or, are you speaking about a specific type of Type II diabetes?

[littlecat123]

Type II diabetics, by definition, are not insulin dependent. If they have trouble controlling blood sugar with oral medications and diet and exercise, they can supplement with insulin -- but -- Type II diabetics continue to produce their own insulin. The insulin is not used effectively.

The fact that the body continues to produce insulin makes them non-insulin dependent.

FYI, the medical terminology for Type I diabetes is IDDM (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) and the medical term for Type II diabetes is NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)

[Terri_R]

Type II diabetics, by definition, are not insulin dependent. If they have trouble controlling blood sugar with oral medications and diet and exercise, they can supplement with insulin -- but -- Type II diabetics continue to produce their own insulin. The insulin is not used effectively.

The fact that the body continues to produce insulin makes them non-insulin dependent.

FYI, the medical terminology for Type I diabetes is IDDM (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) and the medical term for Type II diabetes is NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)

While I did know that Type II diabetics continue to produce their own insulin, I wasn't aware that we were considered NIDDM. Thanks for that clarification.

[davidlee]

You need to have a C-peptide test done. This test lets you know if your body is still producing any insulin on its own. If there is still some insulin being made, the person is a type II diabetic, if not, they are a type I. Good luck!
type II diabetic ( http://www.healthknow.info/diagnostics_diabetes.asp)