Diabetes is becoming more and more common throughout the world. In the United States, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) says that about 10 percent of the population, more than three million people, have diabetes, including 84 million adults with pre-diabetes, which means they are in more danger of developing diabetes. Shockingly, many people with diabetes and pre-diabetes don't even know they have it. If it continues, about two out of every five Americans will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

There are 2 significant types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is not that common and affects about five percent of people. It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing high blood sugar levels.

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is very common and is strongly associated with obesity, especially excess fat being carried around the organs and liver.

In this article, we will explore what type 2 diabetes is, along with its causes, symptoms, and treatment, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this common disease.

But first, let's understand: 

What Is Diabetes Exactly?

Diabetes is a health condition when your body has difficulty using the hormone insulin. Insulin helps your body's cells take up glucose, the sugar, for energy. It's like fuel lines plugged into your cells. When there isn't enough insulin, or it doesn't work correctly, glucose builds up in your blood. If left untreated, diabetes can cause problems for your health in the short and long term.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which it is difficult for the body to use sugar, also known as glucose, as an energy source. It caused an increase in blood sugar levels for a long time. High blood sugar can lead to circulatory, neurological, and immune system problems.

IMG source: GethealthyBenefits

Type 2 diabetes has two significant disadvantages.

First, the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps transport sugar into cells.

Second, the cells in the body do not respond well to insulin, so they do not utilize sugar.

Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes, but now it can affect children and adults. It is more common in older adults, but more young people are getting it due to rising obesity rates.

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but you can manage it by losing weight, best type 2 diabetes diet, and exercising. If low carb type 2 diabetes diet and exercise are not working, doctors may prescribe diabetes type 2 medication or insulin shots to control blood sugar levels.

Causes For Type 2 Diabetes

There are two leading causes of type 2 diabetes.

First, the cells in our muscles, fat, and liver begin to ignore insulin. They seem to resist, so enough sugar is released into the bloodstream.

Second, our pancreas, which produces insulin, is not producing enough to keep our blood sugar levels stable and stable.

However, some other various factors that cause Type 2 diabetes are:

Heredity

Scientists have identified that genes can cause Type 2 diabetes. Some affected DNA can change the working of insulin in your body.

Weight

Being overweight or obese can make your body insulin resistant, so it doesn't work properly.

Metabolic Disorder

People whole are insulin resistant often have high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which could be one of the causes of Type 2 Diabetes.

More glucose from the liver

Usually, when your blood sugar is low, your liver releases glucose. After a meal, your blood sugar spike, and the liver has to slow down and store glucose for later use. In some people, however, the liver continues to produce sugar even though it does not need it, which results in type 2 diabetes.

Cellular communication problems

Sometimes the cells in your body don't communicate properly, send the wrong signals, or don't understand messages correctly. It can interrupt insulin and glucose production and utilization, leading to diabetes.

Damaged beta cells

Insulin is produced by beta cells. Releasing insulin at the wrong time can lead to imbalanced blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can also affect these cells.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

Factors that raise your risk of developing diabetes relate to your medical history and health. Let's break them down into two categories: