GENERAL FACTS22

Five main Reasons for Diabetes - Health Facts 1. Insulin Resistance Insulin resistance is the first step toward diabetes. When insulin levels drop,  glucose levels  rise. Glucose is the primary fuel for cells. If the body does not  produce enough insulin, then  glucose cannot enter the cells and stays in the  bloodstream. In time, if insulin resistance  continues, the pancreas may have to  work harder to make more insulin. Eventually, the  pancreas becomes exhausted  and produces less insulin than normal. 2. Obesity Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Overweight people tend to have  higher insulin levels than those who are leaner. Fat cells take up more space than  muscle cells. As far as cells expand, they crowd out the space where insulin- producing beta cells should live. 3. Genetics Some people inherit genes that cause them to develop diabetes at a young age.  Other people develop diabetes later in life after having children. Still, others  develop diabetes