In Type 2 diabetes the body cells no longer respond to insulin produced by…

The idea

In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas still produces insulin, but the body cells, particularly liver and muscle cells, become less responsive to it. This is often called insulin resistance. Because the signal is ignored, glucose is not taken up from the blood efficiently, so blood glucose remains high. The pancreas may initially secrete more insulin to compensate, but over time it can become exhausted. Risk factors include obesity, poor diet and inactivity, though genetics also contribute.

What earns the marks

• In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas still produces insulin.
• The problem is that body cells, such as liver and muscle cells, no longer respond normally to insulin.
• Glucose is therefore not taken up from the blood as effectively, so blood glucose concentration stays high.
• The pancreas may produce extra insulin at first, but this compensation can fail over time.
• Type 2 is distinct from Type 1, where the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Saying the pancreas stops producing insulin in Type 2.

  Put it right: The pancreas still produces insulin, but cells respond poorly.

• Reversing the types by describing Type 2 as a failure of insulin production.

  Put it right: That is Type 1.

• Writing that body cells do not respond to glucose.

  Put it right: Cells respond poorly to insulin, not to glucose itself.

Exam tips

• Use the phrase body cells no longer respond to insulin to match the specification.
• Make the Type 1 versus Type 2 contrast explicit in comparison questions.
• Mention that insulin is still produced in Type 2, because this is the key distinguishing feature.