[Current interpretation of type 2 diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)]

The author introduces the classification of type 2. (NIDDM) diabetes. Special focus has to be directed to the slowly progressing type 1. (IDMM) form, which is masked behind the clinical picture of type 2. (NIDDM) diabetes. He points out the difficulties of differential-diagnosis among young diabetics. He draws attention on the growing importance of impaired glucose tolerance. Typical type 2 (NIDDM) diabetics seem to be members of a widened clinical entity, where hyperglycaemia is only one of the vascular and metabolic disorders. Basis of this multimetabolic syndrome lies on insulin resistance/hyperinsulinaemia. The syndrome seems to commence far before open diabetes can be diagnosed. A targeted screening for these patients might lead to a better infarct mortality rate in Hungary.