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Type 2 diabetes mellitus
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In type 2 diabetes mellitus, glucose builds up in the blood because insulin is no longer working effectively, because the body does not make enough of it, or because both problems occur. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas.
Its role can be understood as an access signal: it helps glucose leave the blood and enter cells, where it can be used for energy. With insulin resistance, cells respond less strongly to that signal. More glucose then remains in the circulation, and less gets inside the cells. The problem can involve a poor response to insulin, insufficient production, or both.
In brief
Type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs when blood glucose remains too high because the body does not use insulin effectively, does not make enough insulin, or both.
Insulin normally helps glucose enter cells to be used for energy; when insulin does not work properly, more glucose remains in the blood and less enters the cells.
Insulin opens the way for glucose to move from the blood into cells; in type 2 diabetes, that signal becomes less effective.
Sources (1)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesType 2 Diabetes
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated