What type of diabetes is commonly referred to as adult-onset diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes is commonly referred to as adult-onset diabetes because it typically develops in adults, particularly after the age of 45, and is often associated with factors such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. This form of diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, coupled with a relative insulin deficiency.

The term "adult-onset" points to the fact that, historically, this type of diabetes was primarily seen in adults, differentiating it from Type 1 Diabetes, which usually occurs in children and young adults and involves an autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors in the management and prevention of Type 2 Diabetes and highlights the different age demographics affected by these types of diabetes.