type 2 diabetes

noun

ˈtīp-ˈtü- 

: a common form of diabetes mellitus that develops especially in adults and most often in obese individuals and that is characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin utilization coupled with the body's inability to compensate with increased insulin production

called also non-insulin-dependent diabetes, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus

Examples of type 2 diabetes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Zinc plays a key role in bone development and bone repair and may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026

Additionally, magnesium losses may occur due to certain health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes), alcoholism, and the use of certain medications. —Laura Schober, Health, 5 Jan. 2026

These drugs, which mimic a natural gut hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), are primarily used for type 2 diabetes and weight management. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 31 Dec. 2025

Ozempic is medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes that along with diet and exercise may improve blood sugar. —Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

type 2 diabetes

noun

-ˈtü- 

: diabetes mellitus of a common form that develops especially in adults and most often in obese individuals and that is characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from impaired insulin utilization coupled with the body's inability to compensate with increased insulin production

called also adult-onset diabetes, late-onset diabetes, maturity-onset diabetes, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus