See the story of the immune system in the movie "Our Cells, Our Selves" >>Diabetes Type II
It is estimated that over 200 million people in the world today are living with Type II Diabetes, significantly more than those with Type I Diabetes. Although Type II Diabetes has some of the similar effects of Type I, its cause is very different from Type I Diabetes. Type II is not an autoimmune disorder nor it is it connected to autoimmunity. In Type II Diabetes the body also can’t use insulin properly, but instead of being unable to produce it, the body seems to produce too much.
Learn more about Type II at the American Diabetes Association and at the Medical Encyclopedia.
Diabetes Type II is not well understood yet but doctors agree that a few things seem to be associated with it like hyperglycemia (too much sugar in the blood) and insulin resistance. The latter, insulin resistance, is when cells in certain tissues, like the muscle, liver and fat cells, stop responding to insulin in the body. This can result in both insulin and sugar accumulating in the blood! Too much insulin and glucose in the blood can become toxic. Also, if the cells don’t take up enough sugar either, the cells starve. These problems over time can affect the health of whole organs and leave the individual very weakened.
Studies indicate Type II Diabetes is linked to genetics, environmental factors, diet and lifestyle, and is specifically linked to obesity.
Type II Diabetes develops over time, and seems to affect more older adults, the overweight, and some ethnic groups. Although there are more and more cases of Type II Diabetes affecting children, and even individuals who are not overweight. But doctors agree that this type of diabetes can be controlled and even prevented through diet, exercise, and regular medical check ups.
