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

To test the effects of daylight on blood sugar, scientists recruited 13 adults with type 2 diabetes. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025

The participants had or were at risk for metabolic syndrome—a group of conditions that raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2025

The semaglutide pill has the same active ingredient as an older type 2 diabetes pill, Rybelsus, but will be more potent. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 19 Dec. 2025

This is why elevated ceramide levels have been linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease. —New Atlas, 18 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