Initially insulin is still being produced by your pancreas, but it is less effective than normal. This is called insulin resistance and is an inherited characteristic made worse by carrying extra body fat.  Because insufficient insulin is available for glucose to move from your blood stream into your body cells and liver, excess glucose remains in the blood stream resulting in higher than normal blood glucose levels (BGLs).

After several years of diabetes, your pancreas may become “exhausted” and produce less insulin.