An Introduction to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: How does it occur

हिन्दी (Hindi) मे पढ़िये

As we discussed, the glucose molecule constantly enters and leaves the blood stream. This process is controlled by many factors. To proceed we need to know about a molecule called insulin. Insulin is secreted from the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas (diagram). It is a hormone (a molecule that acts on a distant organ) that facilitates the entry of glucose into the cells. Deficiency in insulin secretion from the pancreas, resistance in its action on glucose entry into cells and increased production of glucose from the liver are responsible for type 2 diabetes mellitus. With an increase in the resistance to insulin action the pancreatic beta cell tries to compensate by increasing the insulin secretion. Common situations when there is an increased demand for insulin from the pancreas are puberty, pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle and overeating leading to weight gain. Finally, it is our genes which decide when the pancreatic cells will fail to meet the increased insulin demand. Both abnormal insulin secretion and a defect in insulin action are present from long before the development of apparent diabetes.