31/07/2026
Diabetes doesn't develop overnight, it usually happens gradually.
Every time you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which enters your bloodstream. Your pancreas then releases a hormone called insulin.
Think of insulin as a key. Its job is to unlock your body's cells so glucose can enter and be used for energy.
When diabetes develops, one of two things happens:
🔹 The body doesn't make enough insulin (as in type 1 diabetes), or
🔹 The body's cells stop responding properly to insulin (called insulin resistance, which is common in type 2 diabetes).
As a result, glucose stays in the bloodstream instead of moving into the cells. Over time, this leads to high blood sugar, which can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels if it isn't managed.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including:
Being overweight or obese
Lack of regular physical activity
A family history of diabetes
Getting older
An unhealthy eating pattern
Certain medical conditions, such as a history of gestational diabetes
The good news is that many cases of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through healthy habits like regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and having routine health checkups.
