What compensatory mechanism does the pancreas use in response to insulin resistance in early diabetes?

The pancreas responds to insulin resistance by increasing insulin production. This is an attempt to overcome the body's diminished sensitivity to insulin, a hallmark of early diabetes. When cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, they do not efficiently uptake glucose from the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. To counteract this, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, which is an effort to help drive glucose into the cells and maintain normal blood glucose levels.

This compensatory mechanism, often characterized by hyperinsulinemia, can temporarily manage blood glucose levels. However, over time, if insulin resistance persists and the pancreas is unable to keep up with the demand for insulin, this can lead to β-cell dysfunction and ultimately result in the progression of type 2 diabetes. Understanding this compensatory increase in insulin production is crucial for grasping the pathology of diabetes and its management.