In T2DM, the body’s ability to move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy becomes impaired. The process begins when we eat and much of the food is broken down and converted to a form of sugar called glucose–the main source of fuel for the body. The glucose or blood sugar flows through the bloodstream to reach the cells. Blood sugar requires insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to enter the cells. When food is consumed, the pancreas is directed to produce the right amount of insulin to move blood sugar from the bloodstream into the cells where it can be used for energy. When cells become resistant to insulin, the pancreas secretes more insulin in an effort to maintain blood sugar within a normal range. This extra production of insulin can hide the fact that there is a problem for years because blood sugar doesn’t spike out of control. Eventually though, there comes a point when the pancreas can no longer keep up with the demand and blood sugar levels rise above normal. Check your risk of developing T2DM with the American Diabetes Association risk assessment below:
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Download: Diabetes Risk Assessment
