Causes of diabetes type 2

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the name for the disorder where the body is not able to produce enough insulin or where the cells are resistant to the effects of insulin. As a result, the glucose remains in the blood and the cells do not get necessary energy. Type 2 diabetes may be very serious and can cause serious complications to the eyes and heart, as well as to the kidneys and nerves.

Causes of type 2 diabetes

The two main causes of this type of diabetes are physical inactivity and obesity. Insulin is manufactured in the pancreas and type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce any insulin or produces it in very small amounts. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes may appear when insulin resistance occurs, which is the condition when the body does not respond properly to insulin.

Insulin role

To function properly, the body needs energy. This energy is supplied from glucose, which is a simple sugar made by breaking down the foods that one eats or drinks. Glucose reaches the cells through the bloodstream and in this way, the body gets enough energy that is necessary for daily tasks. The hormone insulin regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. The pancreas always produces only small amounts of insulin, but in the case when the level of glucose increases in the blood, the pancreas manufactures more insulin in order to push more glucose into the cells. Because of that, blood glucose level falls down. Those people who suffer from type 2 diabetes do not have enough insulin or the cells do not recognize insulin, and as a consequence, high blood sugar occurs.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes may be inherited. There are certain indications that genes are responsible in some people for the developing of this condition. When type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the doctors usually prescribe certain medications. With a diabetes diet and healthy lifestyle habits, every person may lead a normal life. In several studies, it has been proven that the people with certain medical conditions are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Those people who suffer from high blood pressure or have high blood triglyceride levels must pay more attention to their health in order to avoid type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes and high-fat diet, as well as sedentary lifestyle and obesity, are also some of the risk factors that may lead to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. As one is getting old, he/she must take in healthy foods to prevent the developing of this condition.