@A DiabetesTeam Member the relationship between insulin and glucose is a little complex

As a Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic we are generally concerned with high glucose levels - that's what we track and manage

(simply) Insulin is released in response to glucose levels. Consistently high insulin levels (as a result of high glucose) causes insulin resistance/makes it worse which in turn leaves us with higher glucose numbers

PLUS if our insulin level is high because of Diabetes, our Pancreas just keeps pushing the gas pedal to the floor and can burn itself out = need to take supplemental insulin

Rather simplistic explanation but essentially, if we control our glucose levels we will moderate our insulin levels which will both preserve function and improve our insulin resistance

This is best accomplished at normal weight while eating a lower carb diet

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A Diabete...

Exactly - Insulin has two jobs

The first we want to happen - transports the glucose into the cells to use as fuel

Second we don't want - uses the "left over" glucose to make body fat - you gain weigh when you have excess glucose (from consumed carbs) and sufficient insulin leftover to turn it into fat

A healthy pancreas can work in "overdrive" for about 6 years which is why it's important to get your diabetes as controlled as possible within the first few years of onset

At some point, about 6 years in, if your glucose (and resulting insulin) levels have been high, the pancreas starts losing the ability to produce insulin and then you could be headed to needing supplemental insulin

Almost all the drugs between metformin and insulin are designed to work with our own insulin production - make more, keep it turned on longer etc - so we can't burn it out or injecting supplemental is the only option

Shooting for an A1C below 6.5% (IFCC 48 mmols) is the best way to preserve pancreatic function over the longer term

Thanks @A DiabetesTeam Member ...so it sounds like our bodies run on glucose for "fuel" and the pancreas makes insulin to help carry the fuel into our cells, and maybe the insulin is like fuel injectors that help inject the fuel into the cells.

And there appears to be a variety of things that can go wrong to create Type 2 diabetes and an entire metabolic meltdown - like an overworked pancreas, the "uptake " on the cells goes wonky, organs that get "gummed up" with excess fat and hormonal imbalances from all the above. I'm wondering if Type 2 people who aren't overweight and who eat healthy, ever figure out the cause of their getting type 2- genetics and virus?

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A Diabete...

@A DiabetesTeam Member Thanks I am still digesting the videos. A few "take aways" so far are to stop eating bananas and beans (two of my favs) and drink the apple cider with water at night. I also need to understand the difference between insulin and glucose and will google that next. 🍽️

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A Diabete...

Good video's for anyone wanting some basic answers to what you can and shouldn't eat