Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an essential source of energy for your cells, but to be used, it needs a “key” to enter. This is where the hormone insulin comes in.
In a healthy body, the pancreas produces insulin perfectly. When you eat, your blood sugar rises, signaling the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key, unlocking your body’s cells to allow glucose to enter and be used for energy. This process keeps your blood sugar levels in a safe, normal range.
So, what goes wrong in Type 2 Diabetes?
The problem is twofold: Insulin Resistance and Beta Cell Dysfunction.
- Insulin Resistance: This is the core issue. Over time, cells in your muscles, fat, and liver become resistant to insulin. Imagine the lock on the cell door becoming rusty. The insulin “key” doesn’t fit as well. The pancreas responds by pumping out even more insulin to try to force the glucose into the cells. At this stage, often called “prediabetes,” blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range.
- Beta Cell Dysfunction: The beta cells in your pancreas are the factory that makes insulin. After working overtime for years to overcome insulin resistance, these beta cells become exhausted and start to burn out. They can no longer produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance.
The combination of these two factors leads to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Glucose builds up in your bloodstream instead of fueling your cells, which can lead to serious health complications over time.
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