Doctors and medical researchers such as Willa Hsueh, MD, study the effects and causes of Type II diabetes, a serious medical condition that is affecting an increasing number of Americans. In many instances, people who develop diabetes initially experience a condition called insulin resistance. This problem prevents the body from using insulin properly, and it can trigger such health issues as weight gain and heart disease.
A hormone produced by the pancreas, insulin facilitates the body’s use of glucose for energy. The body digests food and converts it to glucose. The glucose travels through the blood to fuel the cells of the body. The levels of glucose in the blood increase after a person eats; in response, the pancreas emits insulin to help cells effectively use the glucose.
Insulin resistance causes the cells of the liver, fat, and muscles to fail to respond to insulin. As a result, glucose levels in the blood rise, prompting the pancreas to try to keep up by delivering more insulin. This creates a situation in which diabetes can develop.
A hormone produced by the pancreas, insulin facilitates the body’s use of glucose for energy. The body digests food and converts it to glucose. The glucose travels through the blood to fuel the cells of the body. The levels of glucose in the blood increase after a person eats; in response, the pancreas emits insulin to help cells effectively use the glucose.
Insulin resistance causes the cells of the liver, fat, and muscles to fail to respond to insulin. As a result, glucose levels in the blood rise, prompting the pancreas to try to keep up by delivering more insulin. This creates a situation in which diabetes can develop.