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"Outside In: Type 2 Diabetes And Insulin" - Erin Coakley

  • Everyday Health
  • New York, NY
  • (March 01, 2018)

When you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas still makes insulin, but your cells don't respond to it properly. This is called insulin resistance. Since your cells won't "unlock" to allow sugar in, blood sugar rises. High blood sugar then puts your pancreas into overdrive: "Elevated levels of sugar in the bloodstream stimulate your pancreas to release more and more insulin," said Barrie Weinstein, MD, assistant professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Eventually, your pancreas wears out and is unable to make enough insulin, leaving sugar to build up. "Blood sugar that remains elevated for an extended period of time may result in excess thirst and urination, blurry vision, fatigue, and weight loss - these are the symptoms of diabetes," Dr. Weinstein said. The exact cause of insulin resistance isn't known, but being overweight or physically inactive can increase your risk.

  • Barrie Weinstein, MD, Assistant Professor, Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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