Figure 1.

Pathology of T2D. β cell dysfunction and insulin resistance occurs following insult from several genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Initially the β-cell compensates by increasing the release of insulin; however, over time this compensatory mechanism fails and reduction in β-cell mass is evident. The reduced plasma insulin results in an increase in glucose levels. Glucose-sensitive tissues, including liver, muscle, and adipocytes, are unable to accommodate the increased glucose concentration. Persistent glucose release preserves the hyperglycemic environment, leading ultimately to T2D.