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The number of adults and teenagers in the United States who are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are on the rise. As the obesity rates rise, so do the numbers for type 2 diabetes. It is a known fact that being obese or overweight can lead to the early onset of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 or type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or adult-onset diabetes) is a disorder that is characterized by high blood glucose in the context of insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.While it is often initially managed by increasing exercise and dietary modification, medications are typically needed as the disease progresses. There are an estimated 23.6 million people in the U.S. (7.8% of the population) with diabetes with 17.9 million being diagnosed,90% of whom are type 2.With prevalence rates doubling between 1990 and 2005, CDC has characterized the increase as an epidemic.

Traditionally considered a disease of adults, type 2 diabetes is increasingly diagnosed in children in parallel to rising obesity rates due to alterations in dietary patterns as well as in life styles during childhood.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, there is very little tendency toward ketoacidosis in type 2 diabetes, though it is not unknown.[citation needed] One effect that can occur is nonketonic hyperglycemia which also is quite dangerous, though it must be treated very differently. Complex and multifactorial metabolic changes very often lead to damage and function impairment of many organs, most importantly the cardiovascular system in both types. This leads to substantially increased morbidity and mortality in both type 1 and type 2 patients, but the two have quite different origins and treatments despite the similarity in complications.

Type 2 diabetes is a horrific disease that can bring forth several medical complications and problems such as a stroke, gout, blindness, and other skin problems. This is why it is so important that a person recognizes the type 2 diabetes symptoms and signs as soon as possible, as the disease can be controlled with the proper lifestyle program such as Kathy Smith's Project You Type 2.

Here are some of the common type 2 diabetes symptoms to be on the look out for, especially if you are considered overweight or obese.

- Fatigue

When your body deprives your cells of sugar, you become fatigues because you do not have the energy source anymore.

- Increase thirst with frequent urination

When excess sugar builds up in your blood stream, it pulls the water and fluids from your tissues and cells, which leaves you constantly thirsty. The result is that you drink more than normal and have to urinate more than normal.

- Blurry vision

This goes along the same lines as increased thirst. When sugar pulls the fluid away from the lenses of your eyes, you start to have trouble with your eyesight and it becomes blurry. You may not be able to focus clearly on objects.

- Sores are slow-healing

Type 2 diabetes affects your body in that it takes much longer to heal your sores and infections. Your body does not have the proper energy to heal your body quickly anymore.

- Increased hunger

When you don't have enough insulin your body to move the sugar into your cells, your body craves the energy and food, even after you may have just eaten. This type 2 diabetes symptom actually worsens the effect of the disease as it can make a person gain even more weight.

If you concerned that you are suffering from at least 2 or more of the above type 2 diabetes symptoms, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. The quicker that you are diagnosed with the disease, the quicker you can change your life and start fighting it.

-Weight loss.
Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, you may lose weight. Without the ability to use glucose, the body uses alternative fuels stored in muscle and fat. Calories are lost as excess glucose is released in the urine.

- Slow-healing sores or frequent infections.
Type 2 diabetes affects your ability to heal and resist infections.

- Areas of darkened skin.
Some people with type 2 diabetes have patches of dark, velvety skin in the folds and creases of their bodies — usually in the armpits and neck. This condition, called acanthosis nigricans, may be a sign of insulin resistance.

When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you're concerned about diabetes or if you notice any type 2 diabetes symptoms.