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. But, for the cells to convert the glucose, the pancreas 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 scientifically accepted fact that this condition is classified by the name 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 increase in the bloodstream. 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 physical activity. 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 assigned 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 ongoing at this point.

 

Genetics definitely play a role in Type 2 diabetes, however. Children with parents that have it are extremely likely to develop it themselves. It is a scientifically accepted fact that with the right revised diet and physical activity, most individuals with Type two Diabetes can avoid the awful effects of the disease even if they have a familiy background predisposition towards this condition. What are some other causes? Aging is also another risk factor for developing the condition. People over 45 years have a significantly higher chance. Those greater than 65 years have a much higher risk of the disease. Other links to those developing this form of diabetes include a history of gestational Diabetes, polycystic ovary disease, or cardio-vascular disease. People with Diabetes Type 2 should know firstly that having Diabetes Type 2 knowledge is the first step to adequately controlling and treating this disease.