What is the relationship between insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes?

The relationship between insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is characterized primarily by the concept of decreased insulin effectiveness. In individuals with insulin resistance, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, which is the hormone responsible for facilitating the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. When insulin is less effective, this impairs glucose uptake, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes.

As a consequence of insulin resistance, to counteract the reduced effectiveness, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. However, over time, the pancreas may become unable to sustain this increased insulin production, resulting in higher blood glucose levels and potentially leading to the development of type 2 diabetes. This condition underscores the crucial role of insulin effectiveness in glucose metabolism and the management of blood sugar levels in the body. Understanding this relationship is vital in addressing and managing type 2 diabetes and its associated health risks.