non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
A doctor explains non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus to a patient using a chart.
Noun: A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to use insulin effectively. It typically develops gradually in adulthood and is often associated with factors like obesity. Unlike the more severe insulin-dependent form, this condition can frequently be managed without insulin injections.
This term is used in medical contexts to specify the most common form of diabetes. It is a formal, technical name for the condition. * The doctor diagnosed him with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. * Managing non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus often involves lifestyle changes.
- Acronym: The condition is very commonly referred to by its acronym, NIDDM.
- NIDDM accounts for approximately 90% of all diabetes cases.
- Current Preferred Term: In contemporary medical language, the terms Type 2 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes mellitus are now the standard and preferred names for this condition, as they are more precise.
- The patient was advised on managing her newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes (n.): The modern and most widely used term for this condition.
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (n.): The full, formal equivalent of "Type 2 diabetes."
- Adult-onset diabetes (n.): An older term, now less common because the condition can also occur in children and adolescents.
- Diabetes mellitus (n.): The broader category of metabolic diseases involving high blood sugar, which includes both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent types.
- Type 2 diabetes (current standard synonym)
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (formal synonym)
This term specifically refers to a form of diabetes where the pancreas usually produces some insulin, but the body becomes resistant to its effects. This contrasts with: * Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM): Now called Type 1 diabetes, where the body produces little to no insulin, requiring daily insulin injections. The key distinction in the name "non-insulin-dependent" is that treatment, especially initially, does not necessarily require insulin therapy and can be managed with oral medication, diet, and exercise.
A doctor explains non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus to a patient using a chart.
- mild form of diabetes mellitus that develops gradually in adults; can be precipitated by obesity or severe stress or menopause or other factors; can usually be controlled by diet and hypoglycemic agents without injections of insulin