Causes

• There is no identifiable, specific cause of type 2 diabetes. While genetic links have led some to think it is hereditary, type 2 diabetes is usually more likely to occur when a genetic disposition is paired with another determinant, like obesity.
  
  

Symptoms

• Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include blurred vision, unusual and frequent thirst, frequent urination, dry and itchy skin, tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet, extreme weakness and tiredness.
  
  Some people with type 2 diabetes don't experience any of the symptoms, or attribute mild symptoms to something else, and therefore don't get tested.
  
  

Treatment

• Depending on the severity of the diabetes, some cases can be controlled by proper diet, weight control and regular exercise. Others require insulin injections or the use of a blood-sugar regulator to manage their diabetes.
  
  Keeping track of blood sugar levels throughout the day and watching your body for signs of drastic changes in blood sugar levels are essential to managing type 2 diabetes. Signs of a drastic change in sugar levels include severe headaches, nervousness and a tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
  
  

Long-Term Effects

• Those who suffer from diabetes face the possibility of blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and amputations.
  
  

Risk Factors

• People who are most at risk of type 2 diabetes are usually over 45, have a family history of diabetes, are overweight and don't exercise regularly. Statistically, African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans are more likely to have type 2 diabetes.