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Type 2 Diabetes

Definition

A chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), resulting in too much sugar circulating in your blood. It's often associated with obesity and lack of exercise.

Analogy

Imagine a city where the key to every house is sugar, and insulin is like the locksmith who helps the key fit into the lock to open doors (cells). In type 2 diabetes, either there aren't enough locksmiths around (insulin resistance) or the locks are rusty and hard to open (cellular response), causing keys (sugar) to pile up on the streets (blood).

Related terms

Insulin Resistance: A condition where cells in your body don't respond as well to insulin, leading to higher levels of glucose in your blood.

Glucose: The main type of sugar in the blood and major source of energy for body's cells.

Pancreas: An organ that releases insulin into bloodstream when it detects high levels of glucose.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.