Type 2 Diabetes is not a sugar problem. It is an insulin problem. The body still produces insulin, but the cells do not respond to it correctly. This is called insulin resistance. When insulin resistance rises:
- Glucose does not enter the cells properly
- Blood sugar stays high
- The pancreas produces more insulin
- Beta cells become exhausted
- The liver releases too much glucose
- Fat accumulates around organs
- Inflammation increases
- Metabolism slows
- Energy becomes unstable
This condition can develop silently for 10–12 years before diagnosis. INSULIN: THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING T2D Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. Its job is to open the receptors of cells and allow glucose to enter, removing glucose from the bloodstream. In Type 2 Diabetes, the receptors become resistant. The cells ignore insulin signal and the pancreas must produce more insulin. Early Type 2 Diabetes often shows:
- High glucose
- High insulin
- High cravings
- High fatigue
WHAT IS INSULIN RESISTANCE Insulin resistance is when the body requires more insulin to achieve the same effect. The doors of the cells become harder to open. Over time, the pancreas works harder and can become fatigued. WHY TYPE 2 DIABETES DEVELOPS Lifestyle factors:
- Excess sugar
- Excess carbohydrates
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic stress
- Poor sleep
- Fatty liver
- Abdominal fat
- Frequent snacking
- Emotional eating
Biological factors:
- Genetics
- Hormone imbalance
- Age related metabolic decline
- Chronic inflammation
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Pancreatic fatigue
Environmental factors:
- Lack of sunlight
- Processed foods
- Poor nutrient quality
- Sedentary work
Important principle: Blood sugar is the symptom. Insulin resistance is the root cause. PROGRESSION OF TYPE 2 DIABETES Stage 1 — Insulin Resistance, silent phase. Glucose is normal, insulin is high, and there are no clear symptoms. This stage is often missed because insulin is not measured. Stage 2 — Prediabetes. Fasting glucose is elevated, A1C between 5.7 and 6.4 percent, triglycerides may be rising, belly fat increases, energy is lower. This stage can last 5 to 10 years. Stage 3 — Early Type 2 Diabetes. Glucose is high, there is stress on the beta cells, fatty liver develops and inflammation increases. Symptoms are usually present here. Stage 4 — Advanced Diabetes. Insulin production begins to decline, complications start to appear, and glucose becomes harder to control. Stage 5 — Insulin dependent. The pancreas is significantly fatigued and external insulin is required. GOOD NEWS Type 2 Diabetes can be improved, reduced, reversed, controlled, and stabilised through appropriate nutrition, timing of meals, movement, sleep optimisation, stress reduction, targeted supplements, and a consistent daily routine.