What is the primary cause of Type 2 diabetes?

The primary cause of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance. In this condition, the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, which is critical for regulating blood glucose levels. When insulin resistance occurs, glucose is unable to enter the cells effectively, leading to higher levels of glucose in the blood, also known as hyperglycemia.

This disorder often develops alongside other factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition, which further exacerbate the body’s ability to manage blood sugar levels effectively. Over time, the pancreas attempts to compensate for the resistance by producing more insulin, but eventually, it may become unable to keep up, leading to Type 2 diabetes.

Understanding insulin resistance is essential to recognizing the metabolic pathway that leads to Type 2 diabetes, making it clear why this option is identified as the primary cause. Other factors, such as genetic deficiencies or inflammation, can play a role in the pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes, but they are generally considered secondary to the development of insulin resistance, the core issue that disrupts normal glucose metabolism.