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

The risk of type 2 diabetes was cut by 24% in people who ate the most whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and limited their intake of unhealthy plant and animal foods. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026

Drinking black coffee has been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Millions of Americans are taking GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound to lose weight, treat type 2 diabetes, and manage other chronic health conditions. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 6 Apr. 2026

Experts hope that having more options for these popular weight-loss and type 2 diabetes treatments will drive down costs and offer people more flexibility. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026

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