Overview of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disorder that affects how the body uses and processes sugar as a source of energy. In people with this condition, the pancreas does not release sufficient insulin, an important hormone for regulating sugar levels. As a result, the levels of blood sugar are higher. This increases the risk of many health issues in the long term that affects the immune system, nervous system, and circulatory system. Older adults are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. There is currently no cure for this condition, but some treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life. [1]
What Causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by two linked issues:
– The pancreas does not release sufficient insulin to control the levels of blood sugar
– Cells in the body resist insulin
Both effects cause sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream rather than moving in to cells. As a result, the levels of sugar in the blood are higher. This causes the insulin-producing beta cells to produce more insulin, which causes these cells to become damaged and cannot produce sufficient insulin for further demands. [2]
