Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, often called non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 90% - 95% of the 21 million people with diabetes, it is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar (glucose).
Genetic component plays a major role in the development of type II diabetes,a strong inheritable genetic connection in type 2 diabetes: having relatives (especially first degree) with type 2 increases risks of developing type 2 diabetes very substantially. In addition, there is also a mutation to the Islet Amyloid Polypeptide gene that results in an earlier onset, more severe, form of diabetes. it’s estimated that 45% to 80% of children with type 2 diabetes have at least one parent with diabetes and may have a significant family history of the disease.
However, environmental factors (almost certainly diet and weight) play a large part in the development of type 2 diabetes in addition to any genetic component. This can be seen from the adoption of the type 2 diabetes epidemiological pattern in those who have moved to a different environment as compared to the same genetic pool who have not. Immigrants to Western developed countries, for instance, as compared to lower incidence countries of origins.

Other factor like being overweight or obese and leading a sedentary (i.e., nonactive) lifestyle along with certain environmental factors that contribute to pathogenesis of the disease.
Certain ethnic groups also tend to be more prone to developing type 2 diabetes, including people of Native American, African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/Pacific Island descent.
Genome wide study conducted by several independent European and American groups have identified multiple susceptible variants in white populations.

Diabetes is the primary reason for adult blindness, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), gangrene and amputations. Overweight, lack of exercise, family history and stress increase the likelihood of diabetes. When blood sugar level is constantly high it leads to kidney failure, cardiovascular problems and neuropathy. Patients with diabetes are 4 times more likely to have coronary heart disease and stroke. In addition, Gestational diabetes is more dangerous for pregnant women and their fetus.
Prevention:
Onset of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through proper nutrition and regular exercise. Intensive lifestyle measures may reduce the risk by over half. Evidence for the benefit of dietary changes alone however is limited.[40] In those with impaired glucose tolerance diet and exercise and/or metformin or acarbose may decrease the risk of developing diabetes.Lifestyle interventions are more effective than metformin.
Management of type 2 diabetes focuses on lifestyle interventions, lowering other cardiovascular risk factors, and maintaining blood glucose levels in the normal range.Self-monitoring of blood glucose for people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes should be the regular habit.