Like Type 1, Type 2 diabetes is characterized by a high level of glucose in the blood stream. However, in Type 2 diabetes, the problem is that the body’s fat, liver, and muscle cells do not respond correctly to the insulin being produced by the pancreas. This is known as ‘insulin resistance.’—when sugar cannot correctly enter the body’s fat, liver, and muscle cells, sugar builds up in the blood (also known as hyperglycemia).

This form of diabetes is most common. Because insulin production is often still somewhat effective, people with Type-2 Diabetes are usually able to produce adequate amounts of insulin but the body has become resistant to the action of insulin. This resistance often leads to high levels of sugar in the blood which can cause an array of negative side effects.

People who suffer from this form tend to develop it gradually over several years and they are generally older when symptoms first appear.

People are usually overweight when they are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, as body fat makes it more difficult for your body to utilize insulin in the correct way.

Type 2 diabetes may be asymptomatic at first—early signs may include fatigue, hunger, thirst, and increased urination. Later symptoms of untreated Type 2 diabetes includes blurred vision, erectile dysfunction, and pain or numbness in the feet and hands.

While you may have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it is extremely important to rule out Type 1.5. That’s because the techniques used to treatment Type 2 will not work for 1.5, and you will eventually become reliant on insulin injections.

This type of diabetes relates to Alzheimer’s diseases. Brown University Medical School researchers have identified a possible link after finding that insulin is produced by the brain as well as by the pancreas. People with Type 3 diabetes have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (as much as 50 – 60%).

It isn't surprising that this form of diabetes occurs when neurons in the brain become unable to respond to insulin.

The exact cause of this problem remains a mystery, but it has been linked to both genetic and environmental factors.

Symptoms of T3DM include:

• Extreme hunger
• Fatigue that is not relieved by sleep
• Weight loss not related to dieting or exercise habits

In addition, people with T3DM may experience cognitive impairment along with memory loss and an impaired ability to focus on complex tasks. Mood changes such as depression may occur. In men, erectile dysfunction can be a sign of early onset T3DM. People with this form of diabetes also have problems regulating their body temperature, which can lead to either excessive heat or cold in the extremities. As a result, they may frequently feel chilly despite a warm room or being covered by a blanket.