The progressive course of type 2 diabetes is well established and includes a decline in beta-cell function leading to persistent hyperglycemia.1 These metabolic abnormalities often lead to complications such as vision loss, renal failure, and neuropathy. In fact, data suggest that by the time patients are diagnosed, beta-cell decline and other manifestations of type 2 diabetes may have progressed significantly.1 And other research has shown that it is possible that patients with type 2 diabetes may go undiagnosed for as many as 9-12 years.2,3
References
Lebovitz HE. Insulin secretagogues: old and new. Diabetes Rev. 1999;7(3):139-153.
Harris MI, Klein R, Welborn TA, Knuiman MW. Onset of NIDDM occurs at least 4-7 yr before clinical diagnosis. Diabetes Care. 1992;15(7):815-819.
Jarrett RJ. Duration of non-insulin-dependent diabetes and development of retinopathy: analysis of possible risk factors. Diabet Med. 1986;3:261-263.