Dealing with Type 2 diabetes means you need to understand the underlying causes. With a healthy system, the body turns food into glucose and sends it to the body’s cells. The body’s cells use this glucose as energy. To allow the cells to convert the glucose, the pancreas then releases insulin as required. The insulin travels to the cells and there it helps convert glucose into energy the cells can use. That is how everything should work.
In those that have Type 2 diabetes, something is not working properly. The cells of the body begin needing more and more insulin to convert the same amount of glucose. It is a well known fact that this condition goes by the definition of insulin resistance. For a short while, the pancreas increase production to keep up with the increased demand. However, at some point, the pancreas cannot keep up the pace. That is when the glucose levels begin to rise in the blood stream. After awhile, the body cannot deal with the elevated glucose levels.
Now, what causes the insulin resistance that leads to Type 2 diabetes? The most prevalent global causes are obesity and lack of exercise. In fact, it is the reason for over 90% of new cases diagnosed every year. Recent scientific studies may have revealed one reason why obese people have such a high prevalence of the disease. Using mice, researchers found a new hormone produced by fat cells. They have called this new hormone, resistin. In mice that were obese, the amount of resistin in the blood rose dramatically. In mice that were not, the levels were far lower. Resistin has been discovered to increase the body’s cells resistance to insulin activity. Why or how this happens is currently unknown. Research is now ongoing at this point.
Genetics definitely play a role in Type 2 diabetes, however. Children with parents that have it are very likely to get it themselves. It is an undisputed fact that with the right revised diet and exercise, most people with Type two Diabetes can avoid the terrible consequences of the condition even though they may have a family predisposition with the condition. What are some other causes? Aging is another risk factor for getting the condition. Men or women over forty five have a greater risk. Those over 65 years of age have a increased likelihood of the condition. Other links to those developing this form of diabetes include a history of gestational Diabetes, polycystic ovary disease, or cardiovascular disease. Individuals with Diabetes Type 2 should know firstly that having Diabetes 2 knowledge is the first step to appropriately controlling and treating this disease.