Understanding Diabetes – What is Diabetes 2?

Understanding Diabetes – What is Diabetes 2?

The American Diabetes Association defines diabetes as a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from deficiencies in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin.

There are different types of diabetes; The main ones are type 1 diabetes or formerly known as juvenile diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. There is also type 1.5. Our focus is on type 2 diabetes and getting back to the basics of what diabetes 2 is.

The American Diabetes Association states that "Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware that they are at high risk."

Diabetes 2 is so widespread that it is called an epidemic. It therefore makes sense to know exactly what it is in order to clearly identify it and take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of diabetes 2.

Diabetes is basically the body's inability to process sugar properly. When we eat or drink, our “pancreas” produces a hormone called “insulin.” Insulin is released into the blood and helps regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. This process does not work properly in diabetics. Two situations can occur:

a) Insufficient insulin may be produced by the pancreas, or

b) The body has developed resistance to the insulin even though it has been produced, rendering the insulin ineffective. This is usually referred to as “insulin resistance.”

This is where the problem arises, because insulin is necessary so that the body can use glucose for energy. When you eat, the body breaks down all sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for cells in the body. Insulin brings sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of entering cells, it can and will lead to diabetes complications.

Inspired by Yvonne A Jones