Understanding Type 2 Diabetes: The Insulin Key

Key Information

  • A Simple Explanation: Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can feel confusing. A helpful way to understand what is happening is to use a simple analogy involving keys and locks.
  • The Fuel (Glucose): Your body gets energy from a sugar called glucose, which comes from the food you eat.
  • The Key (Insulin): To use glucose as fuel, your body needs a hormone called insulin. Think of insulin as the “key” that unlocks the door to your body’s cells, letting the energy in.
  • The Problem (The Faulty Lock): In Type 2 diabetes, the “lock” on your body’s cells becomes faulty (this is called insulin resistance). The insulin “key” is still being made, but it cannot unlock the door properly.
  • The Result: Because sugar cannot enter your cells to be used for energy, it builds up in your bloodstream. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to serious health problems.
 

What Happens Next?

While Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition, the most important thing to know is that it can be managed very effectively.

The first step is recognising the condition. Click the link below for more information on the specific symptoms to look out for.

 

Further Information

For a comprehensive guide on Type 2 diabetes, including causes, symptoms, and treatments, please visit the NHS website:

 

Last reviewed: 23 December 2025
Next review due: 23 December 2028