Adult onset diabetes results from the inability of the cells in the body to respond to insulin. This is the most common type of diabetes. It is also called Type II diabetes. It usually occurs in people over 40 years old who are overweight. It often runs in families.

In Type II, the body doesn't use insulin the right way. Normally, insulin is used by the body to pull sugar (also called glucose) into cells. The foods we eat break down into sugar. Most sugar comes from grains, fruits, milk and sugars. When this sugar enters the blood, it is called blood sugar. When blood sugar can't get into cells, it builds up in the blood. High blood sugar causes you to be more thirsty and hungry than usual. It can cause blurry vision, and quick, unplanned weight loss. It can make you feel very tired.

A healthy meal plan and increased exercise are used to treat adult onset diabetes. Sometimes diabetic pills or insulin shots are needed. Losing weight can decrease the need for pills or insulin.

The risk of problems related to diabetes is less when blood sugar is kept under control. If diabetes is poorly controlled, it can cause heart or kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, strokes, and blood flow problems.

If you are losing weight quickly and eating or drinking more than usual, call your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes.

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