Understanding Type 2 Diabetes: Causes & Development

Step 1: Insulin resistance

- Obesity, physical inactivity, and a diet high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance.

- In insulin resistance, the cells do not respond normally to insulin and are unable to take up glucose from the bloodstream.

- This leads to an increase in blood sugar levels.

Step 2: Impaired glucose tolerance

- Over time, insulin resistance can lead to impaired glucose tolerance. This means that the blood sugar levels are higher after a meal than normal.

- Impaired glucose tolerance is often a sign that type 2 diabetes is going to develop.

Step 3: Type 2 Diabetes

- If the insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance are not managed, type 2 diabetes can develop.

- In type 2 diabetes, the blood sugar levels are consistently higher than normal and can cause a number of complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve damage.

Preventing type 2 diabetes

- Eating a healthy diet

- Getting regular exercise

- Maintaining a healthy weight

- Quitting smoking

- Managing blood pressure

- Managing cholesterol