Scientists do not fully understand why obesity increases the chances of developing diabetes, but they believe that being overweight is a major factor leading to Type 2 diabetes. A major cause of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. Scientists are still searching for the causes of insulin resistance, but they have identified two possibilities. The first could be a defect in insulin receptors on cells. Like an appliance that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet, insulin has to bind to a receptor to function.
Several things can go wrong with receptors.
There may not be enough receptors for insulin to bind to or a defect in the receptors may prevent insulin from binding. A second possible cause of insulin resistance involves the process that occurs after insulin plugs into the receptor. Insulin may bind to the receptor, but the cells don't read the signal to metabolize the glucose. Studies are currently underway to understand why this might happen and to determine the contributing factors. Inc. All Rights Reserved.