Type 2 Diabetes Information

The Cause of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a progressive disease and is diagnosed when an individual's glucose level (sometimes called blood sugar) is above normal.

Glucose from digested food is the main source of energy for the body's cells. When glucose enters the bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin to help cells use glucose for energy.

In people with type 2 diabetes, two problems occur. First, the body has become insulin-resistant. This means that the cells are not able to use efficiently and effectively the insulin that your pancreas is making. Second, the pancreas is not producing enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal. When this happens, several problems occur:

• Glucose continues to flow through the bloodstream but cannot be used by the cells.
• Over time, glucose levels increase while the cells don't get the energy they need.
• Left untreated over the short term, the signs and symptoms of diabetes set in. Over the long term, high blood glucose for years can lead to complications such as nerve problems, heart and blood vessel disease, eye damage, and kidney disease.