The steps
The pancreas responds
Small clumps of cells in the pancreas, called the islets of Langerhans, make insulin and glucagon, two hormones that regulate blood sugar.
Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Pancreas
Insulin opens the doors
Insulin enables the glucose in your blood to enter your cells as it is needed.
When cells stop listening
In insulin resistance, cells in muscle, fat and the liver respond less to insulin, so the body makes more of it. It usually causes no symptoms, and over time the pancreas may not keep up.
The warning zone
Pre-diabetes means blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. About 1 in 10 people with pre-diabetes in Australia develops type 2 diabetes each year, but lifestyle changes can help stop it.
When the pancreas cannot keep up
In type 2 diabetes the body responds poorly to insulin and gradually makes less of it. Losing 5% to 10% of body weight can noticeably improve blood glucose, and remission is possible for some people.
The three-month picture
HbA1c shows what your glucose levels have been like over the past two to three months. A result of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or more is diagnostic of diabetes.
Source: Pathology Tests Explained, HbA1c
Quiz
1. Which hormone lets glucose move from your blood into your cells?
Answer: Insulin. Insulin enables the glucose in your blood to enter your cells as it is needed.
2. What does HbA1c show?
Answer: Your glucose over the past two to three months. HbA1c shows what your glucose levels have been like over the past two to three months.
Source: Pathology Tests Explained, HbA1c
3. How many people with pre-diabetes in Australia develop type 2 diabetes each year?
Answer: About 1 in 10. About 1 in 10 people with pre-diabetes develops type 2 diabetes each year, according to healthdirect.