Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (751 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A subclass of diabetes mellitus that is not insulin-responsive or dependent (niddm). It is characterized initially by insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia; and eventually by glucose intolerance; hyperglycemia; and overt diabetes. Type II diabetes mellitus is no longer considered a disease exclusively found in adults. Patients seldom develop ketosis but often exhibit obesity.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Diabetes Mellitus, Adult-Onset; Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus, Adult Onset; Diabetes Mellitus, Ketosis-Resistant; Diabetes Mellitus, Ketosis Resistant; Ketosis-Resistant Diabetes Mellitus; NIDDM; Diabetes Mellitus, Maturity-Onset.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Narrower topics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Lipoatrophic
- See also
- Rats, Inbred OLETF; Metabolic Syndrome
Related concepts
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Insulin
- Niddm
- Insulin Resistance
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Glucose Intolerance
- Hyperglycemia
- Ketosis
- Obesity
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 204,529 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 71,394 of them (34.9%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 76,533 records.
Reviews account for 39,343 records (19.2%) and meta-analyses for 6,252. Randomized controlled trials number 16,282 (8.0%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 17,250 |
| 2000-2009 | 39,352 |
| 2010-2019 | 76,533 |
| 2020 onward | 71,394 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 39,343 | 19.2% |
| Meta-analyses | 6,252 | 3.1% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 16,282 | 8.0% |
Method: PubMed query "Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in metabolism and endocrine disease
Studies of diabetes, obesity and hormone disorders often follow blood tests such as glucose, HbA1c or hormone levels, which are stand-ins for outcomes that matter more, such as complications. Lifestyle and diet research is largely observational, and weight and diabetes trials can differ in how long people were followed. Nothing on this page is advice about medicines, insulin or diet; talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation. Check whether the outcome was a lab value or a clinical event, and the type and duration of the condition studied.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and control measures on type 2 diabetes care among South Asians: the perspective of healthcare providers in British Columbia, Canada | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42912774 · DOI · PMC13693937 |
| Screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in type 2 diabetes patients using the fibrosis-4 score in medina-retrospective study | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42927374 · DOI · PMC13695418 |
| Endurance Training Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Metabolic Flexibility, and Mitochondrial Function in Type 2 Diabetes | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42920400 · DOI · PMC13695046 |
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and control measures on type 2 diabetes care among South Asians: the perspective of healthcare providers in British Columbia, Canada [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundBritish Columbia is one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Canada, with South Asians emerging as one of the fastest-growing ethnic minority groups, burdened by a high incidence of type 2 diabetes.
- Closing excerpt
- Bridging the digital divide and implementing targeted supports are essential to minimize care disruption for vulnerable populations during future pandemics or similar crises and ensure equity.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (340 words)
BackgroundBritish Columbia is one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Canada, with South Asians emerging as one of the fastest-growing ethnic minority groups, burdened by a high incidence of type 2 diabetes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare services shifted to virtual care to minimize infection transmission. Given the limited understanding of how primary care physicians in BC adapted their diabetes care approaches and the consequent impact on patient experience, this qualitative study aims to explore the effects of pandemic-related control measures on primary care diabetes services in BC from the perspectives of general practitioners, focusing particularly on their South Asian patients.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with ten primary care physicians serving large South Asian patient populations. Interviews explored the pandemic's effects on care delivery, provider adaptations, and consequences for South Asian patients with diabetes. Sessions were held in person or via Zoom/Teams and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts underwent thematic content analysis to identify recurring themes and insights regarding barriers, adaptations, and recommendations to improve diabetes care.FindingsThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted diabetes care, shifting services to virtual care and interrupting routine monitoring. This transition impacted specific aspect of diabetes care that can best be provided in-person (e.g., foot examinations, blood pressure checks and lifestyle counselling). The pandemic compounded existing issues, e.g., cost, concerns with side effects, and medication compliance among South Asian patients. Physicians also observed a general rise in anxiety and depression during the pandemic among their patients. Older South Asian patients faced additional cultural, language, and digital barriers; physicians struggled to obtain timely Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests. For many patients, a significant reliance on pharmacists embedded within certain physician's clinics, ensured an uninterrupted access to diabetes medication and supplies.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted diabetes care, with some groups facing additional cultural, language, and digital barriers. Our findings highlight the need for primary care reforms: improved telemedicine and EMR infrastructure, and policies to support virtual care. Bridging the digital divide and implementing targeted supports are essential to minimize care disruption for vulnerable populations during future pandemics or similar crises and ensure equity.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42912774 · DOI · PMC13693937
Screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in type 2 diabetes patients using the fibrosis-4 score in medina-retrospective study [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health problem closely linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and advanced fibrosis.
- Closing excerpt
- Early detection and appropriate management are essential to prevent progression to advanced liver disease.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (221 words)
BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health problem closely linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and advanced fibrosis. The fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index is a standard noninvasive tool for estimating fibrosis risk. This study aimed to describe the demographics, metabolic parameters, comorbidities, and T2DM duration of patients in Medina and to screen for MASLD using the FIB-4 score.MethodsAt King Salman Diabetic Center, Medina, Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 T2DM patients aged >35 years. Data were gathered from electronic medical records. FIB-4 levels were calculated and categorized as low (2.67) risk. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 30, with p ResultsA total of 87.9%of the 280 participants had low-risk FIB-4 scores, 11.4% had intermediate risk scores, and 0.7% had high risk scores. Individuals with FIB-4 ≥ 1.3 were predominantly male (64.7% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.0271) and older (median age: 56 vs. 52 years, p = 0.009). The risk groups were not significantly different in terms of body mass index (BMI) and lipid profiles, glycemic control, hypertension, or diabetes duration.ConclusionA significant proportion of T2DM patients had intermediate- or high-risk FIB-4 scores. These findings endorse the need for screening for liver fibrosis in T2DM patients, particularly those at increased risk. Early detection and appropriate management are essential to prevent progression to advanced liver disease.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42927374 · DOI · PMC13695418
Endurance Training Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Metabolic Flexibility, and Mitochondrial Function in Type 2 Diabetes [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- To determine how endurance training influences insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, and mitochondrial function in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D).
- Closing excerpt
- Endurance training enhances insulin sensitivity and fat oxidation in individuals with T2D and induces favorable mitochondrial adaptations, despite the absence of intrinsic mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (190 words)
To determine how endurance training influences insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, and mitochondrial function in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Insulin sensitivity (2-step hyperinsulinaemic-isoglycaemic clamp), metabolic flexibility, and mitochondrial respiratory capacity and H2O2 emission were assessed in participants with T2D (n = 15) and controls (n = 14) before and after 12 weeks of supervised endurance training. Sensitivity analyses were performed using linear mixed-effects models including all available participants. At baseline, glucose clearance was lower in individuals with T2D compared with controls. Training increased glucose clearance (mL/min/kg FFM) in both groups, with larger model-derived improvements in T2D (Step 1: +1.43 [0.88-1.97]; Step 2: +3.18 [2.12-4.23]) than in controls (Step 1: +0.76 [0.21-1.31]; Step 2: +1.49 [0.53-2.45]). The group × time interaction was significant at the higher insulin step. Metabolic flexibility to fat-but not glucose-was reduced in T2D and improved modestly with training. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity did not differ between groups; however, training decreased mitochondria-specific respiration and H2O2 emission normalized to CS activity and respiration. Endurance training enhances insulin sensitivity and fat oxidation in individuals with T2D and induces favorable mitochondrial adaptations, despite the absence of intrinsic mitochondrial dysfunction.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42920400 · DOI · PMC13695046
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Cardiovascular Effects and Tolerability of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 99,599 Patients [4]
- Research article Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 RAs in Children and Adolescents With Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [5]
- Research article Effects of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors by Diabetes Status and Level of Albuminuria: A Meta-Analysis [6]
- Research article Risk for Cancer With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Dual Agonists : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [7]
- Research article Effectiveness and safety of combining SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies [8]
- Research article Clinical features modifying the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
Full-text reviews on EvidenceLib
Open-access review articles about this topic, reproduced in full with authors, licence and references.
Impact of Cotadutide drug on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mahmoud M. Ali, Ahmed Hafez, Mahmoud Shaban Abdelgalil et al. · BMC Endocrine Disorders 2022 · CC BY 4.0
Cardiovascular and renal outcomes with SGLT-2 inhibitors versus GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Takayuki Yamada, Mako Wakabayashi, Abhinav Bhalla et al. · Cardiovascular Diabetology 2021 · CC BY 4.0
A Narrative Review on Sarcopenia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Anna Izzo, Elena Massimino, Gabriele Riccardi et al. · Nutrients 2021 · CC BY 4.0
Bisphenol A and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of Epidemiologic, Functional, and Early Life Factors
Francesca Farrugia, Alexia Aquilina, Josanne Vassallo et al. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021 · CC BY 4.0
Association of metformin monotherapy or combined therapy with cardiovascular risks in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Tian Li, Rui Providencia, Nan Mu et al. · Cardiovascular Diabetology 2021 · CC BY 4.0
References
- Mahmood B, Hu J, Tang TS, Adu P, Naveed Z, Janjua NZ, et al.. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and control measures on type 2 diabetes care among South Asians: the perspective of healthcare providers in British Columbia, Canada. . 2026. PMID 42912774 · DOI · PMC13693937
- Almohammadi MA, Alsadi ZE, Alenezi AB, Ahmed FM, Ahmed BM, Mulla RM, et al.. Screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in type 2 diabetes patients using the fibrosis-4 score in medina-retrospective study. . 2026. PMID 42927374 · DOI · PMC13695418
- Hansen M, Møller S, Blom I, Lange KK, Ziegler AK, Farlov JE, et al.. Endurance Training Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Metabolic Flexibility, and Mitochondrial Function in Type 2 Diabetes. . 2026. PMID 42920400 · DOI · PMC13695046
- Galli M, Benenati S, Laudani C, Simeone B, Sarto G, Ortega-Paz L, et al.. Cardiovascular Effects and Tolerability of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 99,599 Patients. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025. PMID 40892610 · DOI
- Kotecha P, Huang W, Yeh YY, Narvaez VM, Adirika D, Tang H, et al.. Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 RAs in Children and Adolescents With Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2025. PMID 40952752 · DOI · PMC12439189
- Staplin N, Roddick AJ, Neuen BL, Anker SD, Bhatt DL, Butler J, et al.. Effects of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors by Diabetes Status and Level of Albuminuria: A Meta-Analysis. JAMA. 2026. PMID 41202026 · DOI · PMC12595550
- Ko A, Chang YC, Bahar F, Wang TH, Xanthavanij N, Yu CC, et al.. Risk for Cancer With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Dual Agonists : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2026. PMID 41359966 · DOI
- Colombijn JMT, de Leijer JF, Visseren FLJ, Verhaar MC, van Raalte DH, Sattar N, et al.. Effectiveness and safety of combining SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Diabetologia. 2026. PMID 41117973 · DOI · PMC12686040
- Kalayci A, Januzzi JL, Mitsunami M, Tanboga IH, Karabay CY, Gibson CM. Clinical features modifying the cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Pharmacother. 2025. PMID 40886073 · DOI · PMC12450594
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.